James Milliff

James Cummings (Jim) Milliff, died January 20, 2008 at the University Retirement Community in Davis, CA. Jim was 91 years old, and he had been in the care of Yolo Hospice since late December 2007. Jim Milliff was born August 6, 1916, in Martinez, CA, the fourth of five sons of Rose and Francis Milliff. Jim attended Martinez public schools, playing football, boxing and running track for Alhambra High School. He was an active Boy Scout and Sea Scout. Jim attended Sacramento Junior College where he also played football. At the outbreak of WWII, Jim enlisted in the US Marine Corps, rising to the rank of Sergeant. He was in combat in the South Pacific; landing on Guadalcanal, and Guam. He was wounded in hand-to-hand combat, and was awarded a purple heart and silver star for bravery in action. After the war, Jim worked for the Redwood Empire Association, and then began a successful career as a Bay Area salesman for industrial supplies. In 1954 he married Barbara Jeanne (Bobbie) Knapp at St. Leo's Church in Oakland, CA. Bobbie and Jim raised 4 children in Concord, CA. Almost immediately upon retirement, Jim suffered a stroke that eventually confined him to a wheel chair. His warrior spirit and good humor were sufficient to confront and overcome many of the limitations this imposed. In later life, Jim was active in the ClaytonValley VFW Post 1525, the USMC 3rd Marine Division Golden Gate Chapter, and Marine Corp League Yolo Detachment #627. Jim is preceded in death by his brothers Francis, William, Raymond and Louis; by his daughter Mary Michele, and by a grandson Conor Michael. He is survived by his beloved wife Barbara (Bobbie); his son Ralph (Jane) of Boulder, CO; his daughters Patricia Geraghty (James) of Orinda, CA, and Sharon Damisch (Richard) of Palatine, IL; and by a loving extended family of nieces and nephews. Jim's seven grandchildren include: Brian and Brendan Geraghty; Brigid (Bridie) and Tim Damisch; Conor (deceased), Aidan and Mary Cait Milliff. Jim Milliff lived a long and eventful life, committed to his family, his friends, his country and his Roman Catholic faith. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated January 30, 2008 at 11:00 AM at St. James Catholic Church in Davis, CA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the Marine Corp League, P.O. Box 1615, Woodland, CA 95776, or to Yolo Hospice (www.yolohospice.org/donate.php).

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My father, Claude Blanchard, lived next-door to Jim in URC for a year (2006-2007). During that time they found a common friendship in their Marine Corp experiences thoughout WWII and their common faith. I enjoyed visiting with Jim and are so very sorry to hear of his passing. My deepest condolences, Myra Blanchard

Myra Blanchard Jan 30 2008 12:00 AM

Dear Mrs. Milliff and Family: We were so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. He was such a thoughtful and caring man, he always went out of his way to share a kindness with our father, Claude Blanchard while at University Retirement. We so enjoyed when he would pop into our Dad's room to say hello, visit, share a story and encourage our father to be involved in activities. He was so proud of his family, his faith and his military service. We marveled at how sharp and involved he was and how he went out of his way to help others. He was truly a hero to many. May your family find comfort in your many memories. With sincerity and sympathy, Norman and Cindy Bevc

Cindy & Norman Bevc Jan 29 2008 12:00 AM

Dear Bobbie, family, and friends of Jim, I want to send you my very deepest condolences, thoughts, and prayers. I heard about Jim's passing tonight and was sad to hear of it . I have no doubt, that he now receives a great heavenly reward; Face to face with his Lord and Savior.+ I met Jim a little over a year ago at University Retirement Community. My father, CLaude Blanchard, was a neighbor of his (He passed away in June of 2007) at the Health Care Center. Jim befriended , my dad, as a ' fellow Marine and Catholic'. In Jim , I found a very special man ,indeed. He was always so friendly and would always talk so highly of his lovely wife and wonderful family. I enjoyed our conversations. He will truly be missed, I think of him often, and am so grateful for the friendship he extended. God be with you + Karen M. Ybarra

karen m ybarra Jan 28 2008 12:00 AM

Coffee in the deli 7 the poolroom-good memories

Nona & Bernard Hamilton Jan 27 2008 12:00 AM