Longtime Owner/Breeder Paxton Passes Away

Jerre Paxton, one of Washington’s all-time leading owners and breeders, passed away Monday night at the age of 76. The Yakima, Washington native served as President of his family’s Kwik Lok Corp., which produces plastic clips used to seal bread and produce bags. He entered the Thoroughbred industry in the 1970s and was the founder of Northwest Farms. 

Before moving the farm to Kentucky, Northwest was the leading breeder in Washington from 1984-1995. Paxton bred a number of stakes winners and 12 Washington champions in Knights Choice, Loto Canada, Time of Sale, Sharper One, Firesweeper, A Dollar One, Tough to Crack, Money by Choice, Jellystone Park, Serenity Road, Dancing Ovation and Al Renee. Paxton also had success outside of Washington with 2003 GIII San Miguel S. winner Hosco, MGSW Raise a Man, 2013 GIII Southwest S. winner Super Ninety Nine. 

Northwest homebred Stopshoppingdebbie was one of the farm’s most recent successful runners tallying nine stakes wins over the past three seasons. In 2003, Paxton was inducted into the Washington Racing Hall of Fame. 

“We’re stunned and deeply saddened by this loss,” said Emerald Downs founder Ron Crockett. “The red and black silks of Jerre Paxton and Northwest Farms are emblematic for enormous quality.” 

“He had a great passion for the game,” said longtime friend and industry partner Dr. Earl Shultz. “He really looked forward to the sales. He liked buying, he liked selling and he loved the races themselves. He liked handicapping them and, when they weren’t running at his local track, Emerald Downs, he’d be at the off-track every weekend.” 

Paxton is survived by his wife Debbie and daughters Stephanie Paxton-Jackson, Melissa Paxton-Steiner and Kim Hagner.