OSWEGO, NY – Jacob “Jake” Ratcliff, a husband, father, son, brother and friend.
Jacob “Jake” Ratcliff, 44, a resident of Oswego (Scriba), passed away on Monday June 27, 2016, at his home with loving family members by his side.
Surviving to cherish his memory are his wife of 20 years, Teri; and his children, Nathan (18), Natasha (15) and Noah (11).
He was born in Manhattan and considered his childhood home Argyle, NY.
In his early teens, he moved with his father (the late William “Tony” Ratcliff) to Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts, on Martha’s Vineyard.
He came to Oswego in 1991 and decided to start his career in the automotive field.
It was in 1994 when he met Teri and they married in 1996.
Jake was a dedicated family man and desired to extend his community involvement by joining the Scriba Volunteer Fire Department.
During his membership with the fire department Jake became a president of the corporation and eventually achieved rank as captain.
Jake was involved in the extrication team and competed nationally on numerous occasions.
Jake was an entrepreneur and in 1997 decided to start his first auto repair facility, Rockwood’s Garage which was operating until 2003.
At that time, Jake upsized to the present Jake’s Automotive of Oswego, Inc.
As the proud owner of Jake’s Automotive and a long-time fan of fast cars, Jake became a member of the Oswego Speedway racing family.
Jake began with the Super Stock class and eventually joined the Supermodified team with his ownership of the Supermodified #23 driven by his best friend, Jason Spaulding, Granby, NY.
After Jake was unable to participate in racing due to health issues, he decided to stay involved in the racing community with owning the race parts business.
In addition to his wife, children and devoted nephew, Andrew Pascuzzi, Oswego, Jake is also survived by his mother, Beverly Burlett; sister, Jennifer Ratcliff, both of Louisville, Kentucky; brother, Darren Lindridge, Hartford, NY; motherinlaw, Jane Lashway, of Victor, NY; as well as dedicated extended family members, friends and care providers.
He was predeceased by his brother, Benjamin Ratcliff; brotherinlaw, Timothy Lashway; and father-in-law, Albert Lashway.
The family will greet friends on Friday from 4-7 p.m. at Nelson’s Funeral Home, 11 W. Albany St.
Fire department honors will be bestowed on Jake for his past presidency with the Scriba Volunteer Fire Department.
A celebration of his life, will be led by Pastor Terry Nichols from the United Baptist Church of Scriba, at 10 a.m. on Saturday, at the Nelson Funeral Home.
A light brunch will be served at the Scriba Volunteer Fire Department following the celebration of Jake’s life.
missing or outdated ad config
IT WAS AN HONOR TO HAVE YOU AS OUR PRESIDENT.
WE ALWAYS COULD LOOK TO YOU AS OFFICER ON THE FIRE GROUND OR IN TRAINING.
YOU ALWAYS WERE THERE TO LEND A HELPING HAND.
I WILL MISS YOUR WIT& WISDOM
REST IN PEACE
We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. The Zacharias family.
Terry – I’m SO sorry for your loss. Our condolences to you and your family.
Very sorry for your loss. Praying for comfort to you all. Jake was a good guy and always treated Danette and me very well. Bobby G.
I am so sorry for your loss, Teri. You have my number if I can be of any assistance with anything at all.