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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