James “Jim” Fowler Milligan, 87, of Braymer, passed away Sunday, December 28, 2025, at KU Medical Center in Kansas City, KS.
Jim was born on September 3, 1938, in the Stet area, the son of Leo Grant and Mary Katherine (Stratton) Milligan. He was first united in marriage to Ruthie Schifferdecker of Norborne in 1958; they later divorced. He was later united in marriage to Zelpha Curtis of Gallatin on August 24, 1979; she survives of the home.
Additional survivors include: three sons: Terry (Debbie) Milligan, Tom Milligan, and Ronnie (Dawn) Burton; three daughters: Sheila Milligan (Casey Sorensen), Cindy Peters, and Jennifer (Brian) Goff; 18 grandchildren: Zach (Ashley) Milligan, Matt (Kelly) Milligan, Luke (Darlene) Milligan, Lance (Katelyn) Milligan, Kara (Tyler) Meyer, Cailyn (Jake) Haley, Rebecca Bell, Blake (Jenna) Peters, Darcey (Aaron) Emmanuel, Evan Milligan, Bethany (Christian) Secchio, Lucas Harpster, Kenzie (Michael) Giese, Dillon (Katlyin) Goff, Samantha (Nathan) McGregor, Brittney Goff, Jackie Osborne, and Nikki Lantis; 37 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Calvin (Dorothy) Milligan and Leon Milligan; sister, Shirley (Bill) Bisbee; mother-in-law, Lillie Louise Curtis; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family also survive.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers, Wink, Richard, Dean, Kenny, and Allen, sister, Mildred Lee Pollard, daughter-in-law, Lori Milligan, and son-in-law, Patrick Peters.
Jim was raised and educated in the area of his birth. After completing his education, one of his first jobs was hauling cattle across the country. He later began his lifelong career with Ford Motor Company in 1967, where he remained until his retirement in 1998. During his working years, Jim was a member of United Auto Workers Local #249.
Following retirement, Jim devoted his time to farming and operating heavy equipment. He took great pride in keeping his farm in tip-top shape, making sure it was well maintained and that the weeds and trash were burned off each year. Jim dearly loved his church family and had a special fondness for babies, not only his own grandchildren and great-grandchildren, but all babies. He enjoyed attending church, spending time with his family, caring for his farm cats, gathering with loved ones, and playing cards, where he was known to cheat just a little to be sure everyone was paying attention. He was a jack-of-all-trades and could fix anything.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to either New Hope Cemetery or Heartland Chapel Building Fund. They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home, 507 East Main Street-P.O. Box 190, Richmond, MO 64085.
Visitation with funeral services will be held on Friday, January 2, 2026, at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond, with visitation beginning at 1:30 P.M., with services to follow at 2:30 P.M. Burial will be in New Hope Cemetery, north of Hardin. Please remember to share your memories of Jim with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.
Source: KMZU, The Farm
