Columbus, OH — Jacob R. (J.R.) Ramsburg Jr., 87, a devoted family man and respected community leader died peacefully on Sept. 11, 2023.

He was born on June 23, 1936, in Frederick, Md., to Jacob R. Ramsburg Sr. and Ethel M. Ramsburg.

Jacob R. (J.R.) Ramsburg Jr., 87, died Sept. 11, 2023. Provided photo.

Mr. Ramsburg 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 it become a top insurance agency.

Mr. Ramsburg bred and raced Standardbreds. He was well-regarded in the harness racing industry and owned horses for over 35 years. One of his first yearling purchases was Yankee Goddess from a local breeding farm named Yankeeland Farms. This mare became the foundation for much of his success in the industry. He was always willing to share one of her winning videos when you stopped by to visit. Some of his top horses included Santastic’s Pan, Goddess’s Justin, Sub Rosa Hanover, Justin’s Western, Jacob’s Western, Michael’s Western and Allie’s Western.

He 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.

Mr. Ramsburg 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, he participated actively in the Frederick Jaycees, serving in various leadership roles and later mentoring other members to achieve their community service ambitions.

Mr. Ramsburg 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.

He 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, he 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.

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.

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

The family will receive friends on Friday (Sept. 15) from 5-8 p.m. at Stauffer Funeral Home, 1621 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick. A celebration of his life will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday (Sept. 16) at St. Paul Utica Lutheran Church, 10625 Old Frederick Rd in Thurmont. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Standardbred Retirement Foundation, 43 Arneytown-Hornerstown Rd., Cream Ridge, NJ 08514.