Visitation:
Thursday, April 10, 2025
2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.
6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.
Secor Funeral Home
Willard, Ohio
Service:
Friday, April 11, 2025
11:00 a.m.
Secor Funeral Home
Willard, Ohio
William “Jim” Ratliff age 73, lifelong resident of Willard, Ohio passed away on Friday April 4, 2025 at Mercy Willard Hospital. He was born July 9, 1951 in Willard to the late Clyde and Minnie Ratliff. A 1969 graduate of Willard High School, Jim was a member of the Army Reserves from 1971-1977. He was employed by the city of Willard for 26 years where he served as an EMT, Firefighter, Captain, and then Fire Chief. He retired from the city in 2000 and then went to work for the Willard School system for 12 years as a study hall monitor/teacher’s aide. Jim served on both the Willard City School Board as well as Pioneer Joint Vocational School Board for 8 years. He was a member of the Willard Elks, Knights of Columbus, and Willard Golf club where he enjoyed weekly golf outings with his good friend David Jump.
Jim never met a stranger and could strike up a conversation with anyone. He was kind, compassionate, and had a wonderful sense of humor. He took great pride in his family and enjoyed watching his grandkids at their sporting events and supported them with all of their accomplishments. Jim lived by the motto of “treat others the way you would want to be treated” and instilled that lesson in his kids.
He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 55 years Jackie (O’Brien) Ratliff; two children, Jason (Dawn) Ratliff and Jamie (Bill) Krabill; three grandchildren, Nicholas Ratliff, Taylor Ratliff, and Olivia Krabill; sister Carol Eastman; brother-in-law Mick (Sandi) O’Brien; sister-in-law Ann Ratliff; special niece Kelly Hicks, special nephew Tom O’Brien, many other nieces and nephews; and many special friends (too many to count!)
Jim is preceded in death by his brother, Garry Ratliff, sisters Elizabeth Sherwood and Louella King,; niece Kathy Greer, nephew Ryan King, as well as Godson Ryan Wasniak.
Calling hours will be on Thursday, April 10, 2025 at Secor Funeral Home in Willard, Ohio from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Jim’s funeral service will be on Friday, April 11, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Secor Funeral Home in Willard, Ohio with Deacon Mike Wasiniak officiating. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Willard, Ohio.
Donations can be made to the Willard Fire Department or the Willard City Schools Honor Committee.
Online condolences can be made to Jim’s family by visiting www.secorfuneralhomes.com
Condolences
William Oliver - Apr 14, 2025
My condolences to the family .
VIOLA LUNA - Apr 14, 2025
RIP JIM
Julie Bashore - Apr 11, 2025
Jackie, so sorry to hear about Jim. Remember all the fun days with him, Robert, Howdy and Verlin. We will miss him dearly. He touched many lives and they will definitely remember . May he rest in peace.
Kathy Jacobs Van Laar - Apr 11, 2025
Jackie, so sorry for your loss. Jim was always such a great guy. Many prayers for you and your family
Ruben and Kathi Molina - Apr 11, 2025
We are so sorry for your loss, Jim was always such a friendly man. He will be truly missed!
Paul and Joyce - Apr 11, 2025
We are so sorry for your great loss. Some people inspire us all with their daily efforts and kindness. We have the greatest respect for Jim Ratliff. Thanks for all he did for both his community and family. May we all aspire to his heights and be his kind of human.
Dale - Apr 11, 2025
Jim made a tremendous personal impact on my life. He was one of the major reasons I became a firefighter and EMT with the best department ever! You may have been promoted to Chief, but you will always be The Captain to me! Thank you for taking the time to teach and train me!
Bill Brown - Apr 11, 2025
Coach Jason…so sorry for your family’s loss.
Jamie - Apr 11, 2025
I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of Jim. My grandpa Solan and Jim were great friends for a long time, i have lots of fun memories in the old firehouse with them, including the paperweight he used to keep on his desk, ha! I got to play a lot of tennis with Jim too as i was going through high school. Good times. My sincere condolences.
Michael Reel - Apr 11, 2025
Kathy and I are so sorry to hear of this. Please accept our sincere condolences.
Kathleen McNeal - Apr 11, 2025
I'm so sorry that Jim is no longer with us. I know he is better off but we're not
Linda - Apr 11, 2025
I am so sorry! Jim, was a wonderful neighbor first. Later he was a joy to have as a colleague at the middle school. Again, I am so sorry to hear of his death.
Barb Eitle Elwood - Apr 11, 2025
I am sorry to hear this news. My deepest sympathy to his family and friends. Jim’s smile always brighten those around him.
Diane Frasher - Apr 11, 2025
So sorry Jackie to hear of Jim’s passing. He was Dave’s Best Man in our wedding. He will always be remembered. Thoughts and prayers to you and the family.
Deb - Apr 11, 2025
So sorry for your loss. Such a wonderful person. In my prayers.
Tracey & Kelly Cooer - Apr 11, 2025
Jackie, Jason, Jamie and family we are so vary sorry for the loss of Jim. Jim was a good man that treated everybody with respect. praying for you all during this this time.
Jude Chapman - Apr 11, 2025
My thoughts and prayers to all of you. Jim was a truly special man.
Christina Resendez-Coleman - Apr 11, 2025
Jamie and Family, my deepest condolences for your loss. I'll keep you all in my prayers during this difficult time.
Stephen Maddocks - Apr 10, 2025
As a fellow drummer & neighbor, I always enjoyed Jim’s style & sense of humor
Mick O’Brien - Apr 9, 2025
I just want to say goodbye to my brother in law from myself and all of my family. It’s very hard to say goodbye, but we have to. I love you very much and will miss you. God bless you Jim!
Kenneth Kuhn - Apr 8, 2025
To the Ratliff family, i am so sorry for your loss. I will never forget Jim's laugh or smile, he was truly one in a million!!!
Cindy Lynch - Apr 8, 2025
Dear Jackie, Jaimie and Family, I am sad to hear of Jim’s passing. Such a flood of emergency department memories when I heard this last night. Jim was a great guy, and had such a wonderful smile.
Kelly Steinmetz-Esparza and Family - Apr 8, 2025
Sending love and prayers to you all during this time. What a great man from a great family who have been great role models in the community. He will be greatly missed!!
Doug Baker - Apr 7, 2025
Jackie, Jason, Jamie and Family. I'm sorry to hear of Jim's passing! What a great guy! In fact, he was the president of the "Great Guys Club". Always in a good mood and would go out of his way to say hello. RIP my friend!
Joyce Freed - Apr 7, 2025
Jackie sorry to hear of Jim's passing. I knew him from school church and our class reunions. He will be missed and you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Kathy and Tom - Apr 7, 2025
Deep condolences on your loss of Jim. He was such a decent and good man and that is rare in today's world. Prayers and peace for you all.
Bob and Rita Dove - Apr 7, 2025
Our hearts are broken. What a wonderful person he was. Fly high Jim you will be missed by many you will always be in our hearts
Stu Young - Apr 7, 2025
Jacki and family, Sorry to learn of Jim's passing. He was also a classmate of mine. Prayers are offered to you and your family.
Bryony McCord - Apr 7, 2025
Sending heartfelt condolences to Jackie, Jason, Jamie, and the entire family. Uncle Jimmy was such a sweet soul with a kind heart and gentle spirit. He touched the lives of everyone who knew him and will be deeply missed. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers
Yvonne Fowler - Apr 7, 2025
Jackie and family Our hearts go out to you and your family. We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our prayers and thoughts. God bless you all.
Bruce & Kathy Harter - Apr 7, 2025
We are sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. He was a true gentleman and his infectious smile will not be forgotten. Prayers for peace & comfort during this difficult time.
Oliver and Judy Mahl - Apr 7, 2025
Jackie and family so sorry to hear of Jim's passing..thoughts and prayers for you and your family during this difficult time...hold the memories close and may he rest in peace...
Cynthia Lewellen Branham - Apr 6, 2025
Jackie, Jason, Jamie and families, I am so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. He was truly one of the nicest people I have ever known. His smile could light up a room. He will be missed and remembered by many. I pray for comfort and peace for the family.
Dan and Rose - Apr 6, 2025
Jackie, Jason & Jamie: So sorry to hear of Jim’ passing. His always pleasant personality and wonderfully sense of humor made it a joy to spend time around him. Truly an exceptional human being. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. Dan & Rose Paez
Amanda Ward - Apr 6, 2025
I came to know Chief while being part of the fire cadet program. He loved to be silly with us and always had a smile. At one point we both showed up to the station with a blue boot. I'm not sure if he or Em teased the most about our predicament, but it sure was a memorable time in my youth. Jim was one of the good ones and I am saddened to hear of his passing.
Marsha Ganni - Apr 6, 2025
Jackie and family, Sorry for your loss. Keeping you all in thoughts and prayers.
Peg Depinet - Apr 6, 2025
Sending condolences to the family for the passing of your husband, father, brother and uncle. Jim wore those many hats well.
Todd - Apr 6, 2025
Sorry to hear this. Jim was such a kind soul. May God bless this family with peace.
Elizabeth Maldonado - Apr 6, 2025
Jackie , Jason, Jamie and family My deepest condolences. Prayers for you and your family .May God give you strength and comfort through the days ahead. ❤️🙏🏽
Tom and Linda Schulze - Apr 6, 2025
We are so sorry for your loss. May you feel God's loving presence during this difficult time.
Newman & Darlene King - Apr 6, 2025
Jackie, Jaimie, Jason & the rest of the family we are so so sorry the hear of Jim's passing. No no no this cannot be. Jim was one of the Fire Chiefs that I worked under when I was on the Willard Fire Dept. He always treated everyone with respect and always had a smile and a kind word for everyone. He will be missed. When I hear Wipeout I will think of you Jim. Fly with angels. Keep all your great memories close.
Rick and Connie Bores - Apr 6, 2025
Jackie and Family, So very sorry to read of the passing of Jim. May the memories he left behind give you comfort. 🙏🏻Sending you all hugs and prayers for strength.
Bill and Ruth Ann Hanes - Apr 6, 2025
Your family is in our prayers during this difficult time.
Shana & Cj Ousley - Apr 6, 2025
Thinking of you and wishing you moments of peace and comfort as you remember this great man. God speed comfort to all of you.
Joe and Sue Ditz - Apr 6, 2025
Jackie, Jason, Jamie and families we are so saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. We have many great memories throughout the years and will cherish those. He was a big part of ourrr community and he will be missed
Francine (Doan) Smith - Apr 6, 2025
Jim was in my sister’s class. Thoughts and prayers to the family🙏
Peggy M Opatken - Apr 6, 2025
Tim and I are so sad to hear of Jim's passing away. You never met a better man..kind, friendly, and just a genuine good person. We worked with him at the middle school for many years. Rest in peace, Jim. We also knew him from church. Jason and family, our prayers are with you .
Jim and Sandy Blum Family - Apr 5, 2025
Sorry for your loss. Prayers.
Ruben and Mindy Flores - Apr 5, 2025
Our neighborhood feels a little dimmer tonight with the news of our great friend and neighbor, Jim's passing. He always had such a kind and wonderful presence. We will miss him dearly. Our deepest condolences to Jackie, Jason, Jamie and families. May you find peace in your cherished memories.
Cheryl & Dwight Vogel & Chase - Apr 5, 2025
No words could express how very sorry we are at Jim’s passing. Our deepest condolences to Jackie, Jamie, Bill, Livy,Jason,Dawn, Nick, & Taylor & to the rest of their family & his many, many friends. Those of us that has had the honor of knowing him knows what a very, very special man he was & how he touched so many lives. Dwight & I had the honor of not only knowing him & Jackie & family but also being their neighbors & dear friends. Fly with the Angels Jim & please know how very much you are loved & will be missed.🩷😘🙏
Ken and Donna Hay - Apr 5, 2025
Jackie and family, we are so sorry to hear about Jim passing. He was such a friendly person. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Mark Ebbeskotte - Apr 5, 2025
My deepest sympathy to the entire Ratliff family. I will be lifting you up in prayer...May you feel the loving arms of our Lord surrounding you. God bless.
Susan Wiles Hellinger - Apr 5, 2025
Jackie and family, I am so very sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. I worked at the City with Jim for many years. EVERYONE loved Jim! I hope that brings you some small measure of comfort, knowing how much everyone thought of him. He was also hilariously funny and his sense of humor often lightened difficult situations. Jim will be missed by everyone that knew him. May Jim rest in God’s peace now and forever.
JoAnne - Apr 5, 2025
Jackie and family I am so sorry for your loss. Jim was a great guy who served his country and community. Such a kind and friendly man to everyone. He never changed from his school days. We all will miss him.
Scott - Apr 5, 2025
Jackie, Jason, Jamie, and families. I am so sorry for your loss. Jim was one of the kindest and hard working men that I’ve ever met. I am praying for peace and comfort for the entire family during this difficult time. 🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻
Frank and Linda Mendoza - Apr 5, 2025
Our sincere deepest condolences to you and family 💙 May God bless and give you strength. Best man ever. Love you RIP
Ned and Cheri Peddicord - Apr 5, 2025
Jackie, Jason and Jamie, we want to express our deepest sympathy on Jim's passing. May the beautiful memories of your husband and father help during this sad time. Prayers to your family!
Susie Smith - Apr 5, 2025
Jackie,Jason,& Jamie my deepest condolences to you all. Jim was such a great guy. I loved passing him & Jackie on my walks & talking. My first wave in the morning on the way to work from them 🥰. Rest Easy Jim
Barbara Blankenship - Apr 5, 2025
Jackie, I am so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. We’ve lost another great guy Jim always had a smile on his face. I know how much my Larry thought of him. My heart aches for you, Jackie because I know what it’s like to loose the love of your life. God bless you and your family
Susan karl - Apr 5, 2025
To Jim’s family. My prayers are with you and your family. With time, it gets easier
Keith and Linda Shook - Apr 5, 2025
Jackie and family we are so sad to hear about Jim. Always a smile on his face and have lots of memories with Jim working for the City down at the old City Hall. Lots of good times..he will be missed.
Joe and Janene Reiderman - Apr 5, 2025
Jackie, Jamie and Jason I hope you know how much you mean to us. And losing Jim is like losing a member of our family. His laugh was so contagious as was his smile. Joe can never watch The Price is Right without thinking of him. I don't think Jim would want us to weep for him, he would want us to share in the joy that was his life. He was truly a special man and our lives have been so much richer by knowing him. We love you all so very much!
Wendy Daniel - Apr 5, 2025
Jackie and family, my heart goes out to you. I'm so sorry for your loss. When I think of Jim I'll remember that smile he shared with everyone.
Jim Rose - Apr 5, 2025
My most sincere condolences go out to the Ratliff family. Jim was one of a kind and he will never be forgotten. We had a lot of laughs together over the years and I treasure those memories. The Sunday afternoon basketball games to the squad calls to the softball games. His friendship and humor were always number one in my book. I will miss him dearly.
Tina Carr - Apr 5, 2025
A big loss to our community. Jim was one of a kind, nicest person to talk with. Prayers to all. 🙏
Linda Veletean - Apr 5, 2025
Jackie, Jason Jamie and family you have my deepest sympathy. Jim was a great husband and father and a truly great man. Keep all your memories close to your heart always. Heaven just got another great man.
Paul and Pam King - Apr 5, 2025
So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of his family and friends.
Renee Harris - Apr 5, 2025
Jackie and family, I am so sorry to hear this, Jim was such a kind man and could always make you smile. You are all in my thoughts and prayers
- Apr 5, 2025
Sorry to here of Jim's passing. He was always very kind and generous. He will be missed.
Trish Palmer Tarr - Apr 5, 2025
What a loss for our community! A great man! Rest in peace Jim. Thinking of you all!
sherryl van zoest - Apr 5, 2025
Jackie I am so very sorry to hear about Jims passing.