James Ronald Milligan, a strong warrior against cancer, lost his battle on May 31, 2017.
He was born February 7, 1937, in Bicknell, IN, the son of Andrew A. Milligan & Nellie P. (Hedden) Milligan. He married his childhood sweetheart, Jessie “Sue” (Green) Milligan. They celebrated 62 fabulous years.
Jim graduated from Freelandville High School, attended Vincennes University, graduated from Indiana University with a BS degree, graduated from Montana State University where he received his MS, and received his MSEd from California State at Los Angeles. Jim was a past member of Phi Delta Kappa, the Elks, and a past director of the Old National Bank as well as a lifelong member of the Indiana American Water Works Association.
At Montclair High School in California Jim taught biology and physiology,and he was instrumental in starting a young physicians club for students interested in pursuing the medical field of study. He moved back to Vincennes where he was the general manager for Ralph D. Green Construction Company. Then he completed his working career as a general manager of the underground division for Peyronnin Construction Co. of Evansville.
In his younger days he enjoyed being a member of the Vincennes University Basketball team. He enjoyed fishing, travel, playing cards, gardening, and anything with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Nellie Milligan and a brother, Dennis Milligan. He is survived by two children; a son, David (Sharon) Milligan of Evansville and a daughter, Cindy (Mickey) Pagan of Vincennes; six granddaughters: Lori(Jason) Milligan – Tremblay of Barre, Vt and their children, Liam and Rogue; Mindy (Justin) Milligan Harrington of Floyd Knobs, IN and their children Rees, Ty, and Gage; Christy Vaughn (Eric) Laue of Colleyville, TX and their children Colton and Brady; Brittany Vaughn (Blake) Lynch of Indianapolis; Katie Vaughn (fiancé William Harrell) of Cary, NC; Bethany Vaughn (Lucas) Snider and their daughter, Layla; step-grandchildren: Hannah Pagan (Ryan) Golbersuch with their son, Luke; and Abbie Pagan (Aaron) Prater with their children Allie and Audrey both of Lexington, Ky. He is also survived by his sisters Irma O’Niones of Freelandville, Dina (Ed) Horn of Bicknell, and Gayle (Gary) Ramsey of Winslow, and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, from 1:00 – 3:00 at St. John’s United Church of Christ, 606 N. 5th Street, Vincennes, IN. A memorial service will begin at 3:00 at the church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. John’s United Church of Christ, Vincennes University, or the American Cancer Society – Kidney Cancer.
