“Together again” — James W. Ratleff, Sr., age 89, of Wooster, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2020, at WestView Healthy Living in Wooster following a period of declining health.
He was born in Bellefontaine, on Nov. 8, 1931, the son of Herbert N. Ratleff and Mary F. (Artis) Ratleff.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia, two sisters, Marilyn Ratleff, Betty Davis, and six brothers, Herbert, William “Bill”, John, Charles “Chuck,” Lawrence and Ralph.
Two brothers survive, Robert “Bob” (Carla) Ratleff of Delaware, Ohio, and Howard (Haydee) Ratleff of Vacaville, Calif.,
On May 31, 1952, he married Patricia Ann Boyd in Richmond, Ind.
They have five surviving children, James W. Ratleff, Jr. of Wooster, Patricia M. (Emmanuel) Stone of Wooster, Ethel (Kenneth) Griffin of Chicago, Illinois, Thomas D. Ratleff and Timothy A. Ratleff, both of Columbus.
He has six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
James dropped out of school when he was 16 to join the U.S. Marine Corps, then returned to night school to receive his high school diploma in 1970.
He was President of the Joint Vocational School and Bellefontaine City Schools. He was also a member of the Stadium committee, Junior Chamber of Commerce, American Legion and Marine Corp League.
James was an avid lover of sports and the outdoors. He and his wife were world travelers.
It was his previous wish, there would be no public services.
A private Celebration of his Life will take place at a later date at the convenience of the family and burial will take place at Highland Memorial Cemetery in West Liberty.
Custer-Glenn Funeral Home in Wooster is honored with serving the family.
Memorial contributions may be made to: The James and Patricia Ratleff Senior Award Endowment, c/o Logan County Educational Foundation, 121 S. Opera St. Memorial Hall, Bellefontaine, OH 43311.
Words of private or public condolences may be shared with the family at: www.custerglenn.com.