Mr. Jason Gerald "Ozzy" Badger

NORTH UTICA - Jason Gerald “Ozzy” Badger, age 38, passed away on Monday, February 25, 2019 due to complications following heart surgery. His passing occurred at MVHS at St. Elizabeth Medical Center with his loving family by his side. Born in Utica on October 27, 1980, Jason was the son of Todd and Tracy (Smith) Badger. He attended Conkling Elementary School and T.R. Proctor High School. Jason and Rebecca Layfield dated, and finally married on June 24, 2016. Jason was a true blue husband, and then some. As with all ventures in his life, he embarked on this happy horizon with sincere intentions. Ozzy was a jack-of-all-trades — a talented contractor, roofer, a meticulous painter, plumber, and electrician. No job was too big or too small. He could fix it all! He loved what he did and he was respected by all his customers and family alike. A benevolent man, Jason extended his hand and heart to anyone in need, without being asked. He made things happen. When he lived in Florida, he did a great deal of volunteering his services at the Ronald McDonald House in honor of his niece, Taylor, who has since passed away. He was a family man who cherished his children and nephews. He wanted them to have fun and he treasured his time with them. A capable cook and a selective eater, Jason prepared a variety of dishes and barbecue banquets to please any palate. He had a comic slant to his sarcasm and he appreciated others who had the same wit. Ozzy was his dad’s clone and they shared a special, everlasting bond. He was one-of-a-kind, not to be duplicated. He was also a “road trip man” and as king of the road he never had a destination, but it always included a great time for his wife and kids who were never quite privy as to where they would end up. Ozzy was proud of the fact that he was the best person he could be. He had a heart of gold and was loved and admired by many. He will be remembered as a good man who lived a humble life filled with love and many acts of kindness. Jason is survived by his wife, Becca; his son, Andrew Busch; his wife’s children who he loved as his own, Trista, and Savannah; his parents, Todd and Tracy Badger; sister, Janelle Badger; brother and sister-in-law, Jamie and Jenn Badger; and his paternal grandmother, Bertha E. (Sorrell) Badger. He also leaves his nephews, Tyler, Michael, Jayden, and Jayme; Dakoda, Ethan, and the memory of his niece Taylor who preceded him in 2006; his aunts, uncles, cousins, mother-in-law, Theresa Layfield; and the many lasting and loyal friends who blessed his life. He was predeceased by his paternal grandfather, Gerald J. “Jerry” Badger; maternal grandparents, William M. and Eleanor (Woolheater) Smith; maternal step-grandmother, Barbara DeFazio-Smith; aunt, Colleen Badger; and uncle, Daniel G. Badger who thought of Jason as the son he never had. The family extends sincere appreciation to the nurses and staff of the CTICU at MVHS at St. Elizabeth’s who shared encouragement and honest information during a most difficult time. Their compassion and concern for Jason and his family will never be forgotten. Visitation will be held Friday from 5:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Jason’s Celebration and Remembrance of His Life will commence on Friday evening at 7:00 at the funeral home upon conclusion of visitation.

Mr. Jason Gerald "Ozzy" Badger

October 27, 1980 - February 25, 2019