Joseph Edwin Ricketts, Jr., 81, of Centerville OH, passed away on July 29, 2023 following a short illness. Born in Dillonvale, OH, on April 18, 1942, he was the son of Dr. J.E. Ricketts and Annabelle (Warren) Ricketts and the stepson of Mary Jessie(Turley) Ricketts, all who preceded him in death.
At a very young age, his family moved to Huntington, WV where he grew up and attended local schools. Following high school, he attended Greenbrier Military School (Lewisburg WV)and Marshall University (Huntington). He earned B.S. and Master degrees in medicine (Physician’s Assistant) from Alderson-Broaddus University (Philippi WV). In 2020, he was the A-BU recipient of the Alumni of the Year award. He later achieved a Doctorate of Health Sciences, from Nova Southeastern University (Ft. Lauderdale FL).
Joe began his career as a Physician’s Assistant in 1973 when he joined the staff of Kettering College of Medical Arts (OH) to assist in the implementation of their Physician’s Assistant program. Later, he worked in several clinical practices in Ohio and Indiana and retired from the Dayton VA Medical Center in 2014 after 25 years of service.
A loyal patriot, Joe loved his country and the time he served in the military, which spanned over 38 years. He joined the 16th Special Forces (Green Berets) in 1963 and served as a medic. Following active duty, he continued military service in the WV National Guard and the Ohio National Guard. He commanded several Guard units in Ohio and retired in 2002 as a Lt. Colonel, having received numerous honors and awards, during his career.
On October 18, 1968, Joe married the love of his life, Brenda (Bradley). They spent 54 years together raising two children, traveling, volunteering, enjoying their time with family and friends, adoring their grandchildren and spending retirement summers at their cottage on Lake Manitou, Manitoulin Island, Ontario. Joe was introduced to Manitoulin Island as a child and Brenda joined him in his love for the island as well as their children and their families. Prior to retirement, many summer vacations included trips to Manitoulin.
A man with many interests, Joe was member of Southminster Presbyterian Church in Centerville and was active in the Alpha group, member of the International Explorer’s Club and one of the founding members of the local George Rogers Clark chapter, serving as chapter president for several years. He also was a member of the Special Forces Association, American Academy of Physician’s Assistants and the Admissions Committee for Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine. He was active in Boy Scouts and coached Little League. He enjoyed woodworking, family genealogy, fishing, designing and constructing stained glass projects, photography and rooting for the Cincinnati Reds and Bengals.
In addition to his wife, Brenda, Joe is survived by son Christopher H. (Janyl) Cincinnati OH; daughter, Amanda B. Gibson(Jeremy) Columbus OH; brother Jay S. Ricketts (Lynn) Atlanta GA; two grandchildren, Avery Brooke Gibson and Myles Patrick Gibson, both of Columbus OH, one step grandson, Lucas Plante, McCall Idaho; brother-in-law Frederick E. Bradley (Deborah) Ona, WV. Several nieces, nephews and cousins also survive him as well as many friends.
A gathering of family and friends will start at 5:30 p.m. at Southminster Presbyterian Church, 7001 Far Hills Ave., Dayton, Ohio 45459 on Monday, August 21, 2023, with a memorial service to be conducted at 6:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made to Wounded Warriors Project, Southminster Presbyterian Church, Manitoulin Streams Improvement Association (manitoulinstreams.com)or your favorite charity.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.tobiasfuneralhome.com for the Ricketts family.
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