John S. ‘Jay’ Shaw

PORTVILLE — John S. “Jay” Shaw, of North Main Street, passed away Sunday (March 8, 2026) at Olean General Hospital, following an illness.

Jay was born March 10, 1951, in Olean, the son of Leon and Dorothy E. Carpenter Shaw. He was formerly married to Barbara J. Hooper.

Jay attended Portville and Olean Schools.

He began working at Myer Bernard Buick Dealership and Harry Graves Jeep Dealership. In 1974 he started his own auto repair shop, Jay’s Automotive in Hinsdale. In 1982 he moved the business to Portville until his retirement, his son Jeff is continuing the business.

Cars were his life; Jay enjoyed racing, going to McKean County Speedway, State Line Speedway and the Bradford Speedway. Jay liked to hang out at the ‘Hot Lot” with other muscle car guys. He also enjoyed riding his motorcycle and the Buffalo Sabres.

Jay was a member of the Portville American Legion, Olean Eagles, the Portville Village Board for 12 years and worked in the Portville Court. He also loved his cat.

Jay is survived by his son, Jeffrey M. (Lisa Curtis) Shaw of Olean; a brother, William “Bill” A. Shaw of Portville; six grandchildren, Sydney, Jakarri, Alfred, Ryan, Janelle and Zachary; three great-grandchildren, Rylin, Raigan and Zye; his extended family, including his cousins, TJ (Tam Basilio) Shaw, Todd (Sherri) Shaw, and Terry (Cathy) Shaw and their families; and close friend and caretaker, Duaynea Baldi of Olean.

Jay was predeceased by his parents; a son, Michael L. Shaw on June 22, 2020; and a brother, Richard Shaw in 2024.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday (March 16, 2026) at the Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc., 646 E. State St., Olean, at which time a memorial service will be held. The Rev. Douglas E. Travis, pastor of Harvest Field Outreach Center, will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Purrfect Kitty Mission-Foster Based Rescue online at paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=8jmhksrrkzu64, or follow the link in their Facebook page.

Online condolences may be made at www.letromcintoshspinkfuneralhome.com.