Chillicothe’s Hometown Hero—Philip M. “Mike” Ratcliff
Jul 26, 2022 05:35PM ● By Gary Sharp
Webster says, a volunteer is a person who undertakes some task or service of his own free will. Often a person like this wants no credit or recognition. Webster also says a coach is a tutor and trainer of athletics. He can also teach worthy endeavors and life skills. On October 16, 1960, Philip and Juanita welcomed their new baby boy into the world and all was good. Already having two sisters before him, he would soon then have two more to follow.
Raised in an Irish catholic home, his father was a proud, Navy retired, truck driver and mom was a homemaker. Money was scarce and this taught responsibility and he became no stranger to hard work. As he grew, he fell in love with athletics. He was a straight A student who came from humble beginnings. Philip had taught him patience and humility and Juanita taught him compassion and fairness.
At age ten, he started officiating youth baseball games. He could not sit still. As a Grey Ghost football standout, he played both ways, guard and linebacker. After graduating in 1978, he was actively recruited by Eureka and other colleges in the area.
Following in the long line of volunteer youth coaches like J. Mooney, B. Razo, K. Hancher, D. Miller, S. Crabel, R. Fisher, M. Ogburn, and many others, he felt strongly compelled to help coach our youth. He had a positive influence on hundreds of boys during his many years of coaching JFL and youth baseball.
He acquired an Associates Degree in engineering at Illinois Central College in 1981 and hired in at Cilco the same year. He married Chris in 1986 and after 13 years they divorced. She later passed from cancer. In 2000, he married Dena and they celebrate 22 years together.
His dedication to youth sports carried over to our elderly population in and around Chillicothe. Seems as though his volunteer heart has unlimited space for those in need. He drives a transport bus for our seniors and helps them with assorted issues as the Chillicothe Township Supervisor. During 23 years of service, he gradually became the youngest CILCO employee to achieve the Vice Presidency of Customer Service at the age of 36. He has been the Director of Chillicothe JFL for numerous years. He is a hands on organizer of events such as IVC bon fires, Chillicothe fireworks, and photographer of school sporting events. And all of this while raising three children—one girl, and two boys, all straight A students.
Somewhere, high up, much farther than one can see, Philip Louis and Delores Juanita “Wiggy” Ratcliff are watching their only son display the kindness and acceptance toward his fellow humans that they instilled in him and are so very proud. There have been and always will be Hometown Heroes in Chillicothe of different walks, occupations, and stature. And now Philip M. “Mike” Ratcliff, friend, father figure, and hero in the eyes of many will easily join those ranks.
Raised in an Irish catholic home, his father was a proud, Navy retired, truck driver and mom was a homemaker. Money was scarce and this taught responsibility and he became no stranger to hard work. As he grew, he fell in love with athletics. He was a straight A student who came from humble beginnings. Philip had taught him patience and humility and Juanita taught him compassion and fairness.
At age ten, he started officiating youth baseball games. He could not sit still. As a Grey Ghost football standout, he played both ways, guard and linebacker. After graduating in 1978, he was actively recruited by Eureka and other colleges in the area.
Following in the long line of volunteer youth coaches like J. Mooney, B. Razo, K. Hancher, D. Miller, S. Crabel, R. Fisher, M. Ogburn, and many others, he felt strongly compelled to help coach our youth. He had a positive influence on hundreds of boys during his many years of coaching JFL and youth baseball.
He acquired an Associates Degree in engineering at Illinois Central College in 1981 and hired in at Cilco the same year. He married Chris in 1986 and after 13 years they divorced. She later passed from cancer. In 2000, he married Dena and they celebrate 22 years together.
His dedication to youth sports carried over to our elderly population in and around Chillicothe. Seems as though his volunteer heart has unlimited space for those in need. He drives a transport bus for our seniors and helps them with assorted issues as the Chillicothe Township Supervisor. During 23 years of service, he gradually became the youngest CILCO employee to achieve the Vice Presidency of Customer Service at the age of 36. He has been the Director of Chillicothe JFL for numerous years. He is a hands on organizer of events such as IVC bon fires, Chillicothe fireworks, and photographer of school sporting events. And all of this while raising three children—one girl, and two boys, all straight A students.
Somewhere, high up, much farther than one can see, Philip Louis and Delores Juanita “Wiggy” Ratcliff are watching their only son display the kindness and acceptance toward his fellow humans that they instilled in him and are so very proud. There have been and always will be Hometown Heroes in Chillicothe of different walks, occupations, and stature. And now Philip M. “Mike” Ratcliff, friend, father figure, and hero in the eyes of many will easily join those ranks.