James W. Milligan (November 25, 1924 – April 1, 2025)

James W. Milligan, age 100, a resident of Windsor Park in Carol Stream, Illinois, joined his beloved wife, Janice, in Heaven on April 1, 2025. Born on November 25, 1924, in Indianapolis, Indiana, Jim lived a humble and faithful life marked by service, love, and unwavering devotion to Jesus Christ. His legacy of character, kindness, and integrity will echo through his family and community for generations to come.

After graduating from high school, Jim began his college studies at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. In May 1943, at the height of World War II, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and joined the 12th Armored Division as a radio operator and expert rifleman. He bravely served in France and Germany, where his unit played a critical role in sealing off Germany's southern border during the Battle of the Bulge. Later, they headed south and helped liberate two camps: one a concentration camp that was a subcamp of Dachau, and the other a POW camp for Polish officers. During an intense battle, stranded on an icy hill, Jim made a life-changing commitment to serve Jesus Christ—a decision that shaped the rest of his life.

After the war, Jim returned to Purdue, where he earned both his undergraduate and master's degrees in electrical engineering. He was inducted into Tau Beta Pi, the national engineering honor society, for his academic excellence. Upon completing his master's degree, he joined Duncan Electric, which was later acquired by Landis & Gyr. Over the course of his career, Jim was awarded 17 patents for his designs of watt-hour meters, which were installed on homes and businesses across the country. Even after retirement, he continued as a consultant, providing expert advice in his field. His work reflected not only his brilliance and dedication but also his desire to serve and innovate.

Jim's greatest joy was his family. In February 1947, he married the love of his life, Janice Rehm, and together they built a family rooted in love, faith, and humor. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His life was centered on his love for Christ, and he lived out his faith daily. He served in many capacities in church ministry including as an Elder and Deacon.  His family will remember him not only for his deep devotion to God but also for his joyful sense of humor and his strong baritone voice, which brightened countless family occasions.

A man of many talents, Jim had a passion for woodworking. He delighted in creating beautiful furniture, kitchen cabinets, and personal items for his family—lasting gifts of his craftsmanship. At Windsor Park, he was an active volunteer, contributing his time to Feed My Starving Children, visiting hospitalized residents, and leading worship services for homebound neighbors. Jim was also a gifted singer, having participated as a soloist in the Purdue Glee Club, his church choir, and later in choirs at Windsor Park, including The Men of Melody. His love of music brought joy to many, especially at family events like his grandchildren's weddings.

Jim is survived by his sons, James S. Milligan, MD (wife Jill) of Indianapolis, IN, and John M. Milligan, MD (wife Connie) of Phoenix, AZ; his daughter, Catharine M. Kramer (husband Tom) of Wheaton, IL; nine grandchildren; and 26 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Janice, and his sister, Mary Catharine (the late Richard) Locke.

A private interment with military honors will be held at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, IL, on April 14th. A memorial service will be held on May 24th at College Church in Wheaton, IL. Visitation will begin at 3:00 p.m., followed by the service at 4:00 p.m. A livestream of the memorial service will be available here: https://www.youtube.com/live/Vq6y6YAWvmY

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Jim's honor to the Benevolent Care Fund , Covenant Care of Windsor Park, in recognition of his lifelong faith and service.

Family and friends may sign the guestbook at hultgrenfh.com. For more information, please contact Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.  Psalm 116:15