James J. Milleson

James J. Milleson

Aug. 24, 1924 - Nov. 25, 2012

LANDER, Wyoming -- James J. Milleson of Lander died Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012, at Lander Valley Medical Center. He was 88 years old.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 30, 2012, at the First United Methodist Church in Lander with Pastor Mark Calhoun officiating. Interment will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery. Military honors will be provided by the Friday-Truan Detachment No. 683 Marine Corps League and Veterans.

James Junior Milleson was born Aug. 24, 1924, in McCook, Nebraska, the son of James and Myrtle (Baugher) Milleson.

He grew up and attended schools in McCook and joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1943. He served in Hawaii, Midway and Guam during World War II and was honorably discharged in 1946.

On Oct. 10, 1948, he married Myrna Farthing in Denver. The couple made their home in Denver, where he worked for Gates Rubber Company and attended Midwest Trade School under the GI Bill, where he learned auto mechanics. Their two daughters, Mary and Nancy, were born in Denver.

In 1953, the family moved to Lander, Myrna's home town. Mr. Milleson went to work for Smail Motors, the Jeep Agency, and in 1957 he went to work for Fremont Motors. He continued there until his retirement in 1988.

Sons Tom and David were born in Lander.

Mr. Milleson enjoyed hunting and fishing, working in his yard, traveling, and family reunions. He especially enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. Jim was an active member of First United Methodist Church and devoted many hours to the Thrift Shop until his failing vision prevented him from driving. He also volunteered for almost 12 years at the Care and Share Food Bank.

He was a member of the Friday-Truan Marine Corps League for Fremont County, as well as a member of the Fremont County Pioneer Association, Fremont County Historical Society, and AARP.

In October 2011, Jim was a passenger on the Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. The family said he proudly flew his flag every day at his home.

Survivors include his wife Myrna of Lander; daughter Mary Milleson and husband, Chris Komloski of Frederick, Colorado; daughter, Nancy Janousek and husband Gary of McCook; son, Tom and wife, Cindy of Bozeman, Montana; son, David and wife, Tammy of Riverton; grandchildren, John Garwood and wife, Michelle of Norton, Kansas; T.J. Garwood and wife, Lynette of Denver, Colorado; Kevin Janousek and wife, Brenda of McCook; Ashley Milleson of Bozeman, Montana; and Hally, Kelsey and Aubrey Milleson of Riverton; 10 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by sister Lorraine Fritz of Denver, Colorado.

Mr. Milleson was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Glen, and sister, Pansy.

Memorial donations may be made to the Friday-Truan Scholarship Fund, or the Lander Senior Center, in care of Davis Funeral Home, 2203 W. Main, Riverton, WY 82501.

On-line condolences for the family may be made at www.TheDavisFuneralHome.com.

Services are under the direction of Davis Funeral Home.