James J. Milligan Sr.

VULCAN- James J. Milligan, age 85 of Vulcan, died Saturday, November 1, 2014 at Freeman Nursing and Rehabilitation Community, in Kingsford, MI. He was born on August 5, 1929 in Felch, the son of the late Patrick John and Blanche (LaBranch) Milligan. Jim graduated from Felch High School in 1947. He married the love of his life Anna Tiffany on June 3, 1950 in Foster City. Jim worked at the Niagara Paper Mill for 42 years as a saw-filer, where he formed lasting friendships with co-workers and liked to visit with them when they ran into each other. He also owned a small sporting goods store called Jim’s Sport Shop. Jim is a member of St. Mary’s Church in Norway. He loved his hunting camp near Hardwood. He enjoyed many years of successful deer, rabbit and partridge hunting in that area. Jim stayed very busy and active with yard work, gardening, home maintenance projects, hunting, fishing and being with his family, whom he taught to offer assistance to others and the true meaning of dedication, hard work, respect, kindness and love. He was very proud of his Irish-French Canadian heritage. He liked to visit and tell stories, to play cards and watch Funniest Home Videos on TV. He liked the Detroit Lions, Detroit Tigers, but supported Brett Favre as one of the all time best quarterbacks. Jim is survived by his wife of 64 years, Anna Laura; son Michael (Karen) Milligan of Bath; daughters, Sheryl (Tony) Baciak of Norway, Lynn (Jim) Opolka of Norway and Diana (Todd DeClark) Milligan of Niagara; grandchildren, Ian Milligan, Tony (Jenn) Baciak, Tom (Meredith) Baciak, Teresa (Whitney Lessor) Baciak, Mindy (Jeff) Herman, Matt (Megan) Opolka, Audra Gendron, Alaina Gendron, Ryan (Alexis) Milligan and Tiffany Milligan; step-grandson John (Erin) Gendron; 12 great-grandchildren; sisters, Faye (Anthony) Bartoczek of Kansas City, MO., Phyllis (Marshall) Kesler of Iron Mountain and Janet Skibo of Crystal Falls; sister-in-law Shirley (Phil) Francis of Howell; many nieces and nephews; and close family friend Patti Bucierka of Hartford, WI He was preceded in death by his son James Joseph Milligan, Jr; brothers Patrick John Milligan III and Robert Milligan; and his in-laws Paul and Alma Tiffany. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 4 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at St. Mary’s Church in Norway. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday at 1 p.m. at St. Mary’s Church with Fr. Timothy Ekaitis presiding. Interment will be held at the Norway Township Cemetery.

James J. Milligan Sr.

August 5, 1929 - November 1, 2014