The community lost an icon over the weekend as Jim Raftis, Sr. passed away at the age of 93.
Raftis was the voice of local events – from Owego Little League to the annual Veterans Day ceremony – for over 50 years.
A 1950 graduate of Owego Free Academy, Raftis stayed in the area throughout his life and left a lasting impact.
For many years, he called play-by-play for OFA football and basketball games and broadcast Little League games on WEBO.
Raftis was the founder and second president of the Owego Free Academy Sports Booster Club, and also produced a Sunday Spotlight on Sports for various Tioga County Schools for many years.
Raftis was inducted to the Owego Apalachin Athletics Hall of Fame and the Section IV Athletics Hall of Fame.
A US Army Veteran who served in Korea from 1952 to 1954, Raftis dedicated his life to helping and honoring Veterans in Tioga County.
Raftis helped create the Courthouse Square Memorial and the annual Roll Call Ceremony of Remembrance for Tioga County Veterans. He was also the Master of Ceremonies for the annual Veterans Day event held in Owego.
Jim’s dedication to youth sports and Veterans impacted so many people through the years. He will be truly missed and remembered in Owego and throughout Tioga County forever.
