Nigel LeClaire

Nigel “Jay” James LeClaire, 67 of Plattsburgh passed away peacefully on Monday March 9, 2026, at his home after a long battle with pulmonary disease.
Jay was born in Vermont on June 15, 1959, he is predeceased by his father James “Jim” LeClaire, and his mother Patricia (Dandrow) Hendrie.
Jay is survived by his daughter Amanda Gohlke (Matt), son Jared Branham (Russell), his sister Bonnie Criss (Bobby), brother Paul LeClaire (Shari). Two grandchildren Samantha and Brady Golhke along with nieces, Ann Blow (Greg), Ashley LeClaire, nephew Edward “Punker” McKinley (Jessica). Several Great Nephews, Cousins, and many, many friends.
Jay is also survived by his long-time girlfriend Charlene Mussaw, her son Josh Howard (Ashley) and their three children.
He was an avid NASCAR Fan, Rusty Wallace was one of his favorites, as well as others. He was part of many pit crews over the years at the local town track Airborne Park Speedway. We’re pretty sure he had racing fuel in his blood, heck who knows, in a prior life he was probably better than Dale Earnhardt.
He enjoyed gathering by a fire with friends and family. If you were lucky enough, he would burst out a special song for those he held near and dear. Those sparkling blue eyes (sometimes green) and a big smile he would look over and sing to you. One that he sang to his daughter that came to mind for her is “500 miles”. If you spent time with him, you might know that song. There is a message in that song, and it was his way to express his affection and love for those close to his heart.
In his younger years Jay loved to build and tinker with model cars. He was a man of many skills, and could fix, or build just about anything. Jay was a heavy equipment operator and was employed at Ed Garrow and Son’s for many years who he respected and was cared for very well by all there. He took great pride in his work and had a knack for attention to detail and get the job done and correctly.
Jay will be missed by many friends and family who loved him very much. May he be Racing In Paradise (RIP).
Services will take place at a later date and at the family’s discretion.