Jacob R. (J.R.) Ramsburg, Jr.

Jacob R. (J.R.) Ramsburg, Jr, a devoted family man and respected community leader passed away peacefully on September 11, 2023.  He was born on June 23, 1936 in Frederick, Maryland to Jacob R. Ramsburg, Sr. and Ethel M. Ramsburg. 
 
J.R. graduated from Frederick High School in 1954 and the University of Maryland in 1958. Upon college graduation he joined his family’s company, Frederick Underwriters while simultaneously serving for a few years in the United States Army Reserves. In 1971 he purchased Frederick Underwriters and led it to become a top insurance agency.

J.R. is survived by his son, J. Ray Ramsburg III and wife, Holly; grandchildren Justin Ramsburg, Allie Ramsburg and boyfriend, Tom Mitterndorfer, Jacquelyn McGaughey and husband, Sean, and Jacob Ramsburg; great grandchildren, Grayson and Emory; sisters Martha Popovic and Mary Alice Grove; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife of 63 years, Norma and daughter, Betty Ann Ramsburg.  

J.R. was a devout Christian who truly put God first, family and friends second, and himself last. Exuding constantly high levels of positive energy and unwavering optimism, he possessed a genuine concern for others, helping more people, in more ways than we will ever know.  

J.R. was a lifelong member of St. Paul Utica Lutheran Church, serving in a variety of leadership roles including Treasurer for more than 60 years, Chairman of the Utica Picnic for more than 50 years, Sunday School Superintendent and Teacher (with more than 50 years of perfect attendance), and numerous stints as Council President and Member.

Early in his professional career J.R. participated actively in the Frederick Jaycees, serving in various leadership roles and later, mentoring other members to achieve their community service ambitions.  

J.R. played an instrumental role in making the ARC of Frederick County, Goodwill of Frederick, and the Jeanne Bussard Center what they are today.  Not only did he provide numerous hours of personal time, he contributed financially, chairing campaigns for capital projects and in the early days, writing personal checks so they could meet payroll and/or pay the energy bills.   

J.R. served many other community organizations, including Frederick Community College, Hood College, and Frederick Health, who named him “Good Samaritan of the Year” in 2009.     

A farmer at heart, J.R. invested numerous hours to further agricultural interests in Frederick County.  For 30 years he served in various leadership roles as a board member of the Frederick County Agricultural Society, which includes the Great Frederick Fair.  He helped many 4-H youth members by either purchasing or bidding up the cost of their animals, buying more meat than he could ever fit into his freezer while gladly filling up those of others.  

J.R. bred and raced standardbred horses.  He was well-regarded in the harness racing industry.

Other favorite activities included making hay at his farm, fishing at Whites Ferry, hunting small game and water fowl, traveling to Florida, and spending time with family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  He took a great deal of pride in teaching them how to drive a tractor, bale hay, and back a loaded hay wagon into a barn. 

The family will receive friends on Friday, September 15 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Stauffer Funeral Home, 1621 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick.
 
A Celebration of J.R.'s life will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, September 16 at St. Paul Utica Lutheran Church, 10625 Old Frederick Rd in Thurmont.
 
Interment will follow in the church cemetery.
 
If so desired, Memorial donations may be made to ARC of Frederick County or St. Paul Lutheran Church, Utica.
 
Expressions of sympathy may be offered to the family at StaufferFuneralHome.com.
 
J.R. Ramsburg, Jr. left behind a legacy of love, kindness, and selflessness that will live on for generations to come. His memory will be forever cherished. Rest In Peace, J.R. Ramsburg, Jr.