James M Milliken, 78, died peacefully on May 15, 2021. James, or Jim, as he was known to most was born on April 17, 1943 to Orlin and Ruby (Heckman) Milliken in Denton, Texas. He was the oldest of six children born to the Milliken's. Jim participated in 4-H, church, sports and music during his youth before attending Kansas State University. His intention when going to K-State was to play football, but found a place in the marching band playing the trumpet to be more of his calling.

He then went on to graduate from Washburn Law School with his Juris Doctorate Degree. It was at K-State that he met his future wife. Jim and Ruth (Whitten) Milliken were married on August 14, 1965 in Olathe, Kansas. To this union were born three children, Kelley Eileen, Kari Lynnette and James Whitten.

The Milliken's made their way to St. Francis, Kansas from Eastern Kansas where Jim began practicing law with Robert E (Bob) Alsup. When Bob left the practice and became President of the Cheyenne County State Bank, Jim continued in private practice and moved the law office to 101 W Washington. He then opened locations in both Bird City and Goodland. Jim held the position of Cheyenne County Attorney as well as being the Attorney for the NW Kansas Electric Cooperative for many years.

In 2013, Jim was awarded a Professionalism Award from his peers for both legal ability and ethical standards. Building community was in Jim's nature and he tried to do so in whatever way he possibly could. He was secretary of the Cheyenne County Fair Board for many years and instrumental in getting the home-owned carnival established for the Cheyenne County Fair. Jim was an avid supporter of the 4-H program and a premium buyer over the years.

He also enjoyed supporting the Green and Gold of the St. Francis Indians both in athletics and music events. One could find him regularly at home events as well as traveling to away games to watch his grandkids participate. Jim also became involved with the Denver Brass, playing in BrassFest for a number of years. He talked a quartet of the Denver Brass into coming out to St Francis to do a workshop for Jr High and High School kids and then encouraged the kids to join him at BrassFest in Denver.

Survivors include his wife, Ruth, of the home; daughter, Kelley Milliken of St. Francis; son J.W. (Tonya) Milliken, of St. Francis; son-in-law Dustin Gilliland, of St. Francis; grandchildren Molly Gilliland, Jacki Milliken and Joel Gilliland; sister Janice (Jesse) Comeaux of Lago Vista, TX; brother Larry (Sandy) Milliken of Williamsburg, KS; Mary Demoret of Eliat, Israel; Terri (Ron) Miller of Olathe, KS; brother Stanley (Melodie) Milliken of Richmond, KS; many nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.