The Richmond News, Jan. 9, 2026

Jim Milligan

James “Jim” Fowler Milligan, 87, of Braymer passed away Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, at KU Medical Center in Kansas City, Kan. Jim was born Sept. 3, 1938, in the Stet area, the son of Leo Grant and Mary Katherine (Stratton) Milligan. He was first united in marriage to Ruthie Schifferdecker of Norborne in 1958. They later divorced. He was then united in marriage to Zelpha Curtis of Gallatin on Aug. 24, 1979. She survives of the home.

Additional survivors include three sons, Terry (Debbie) Milligan, Tom Milligan and Ronnie (Dawn) Burton; and three daughters, Sheila Milligan (Casey Sorensen), Cindy Peters and Jennifer (Brian) Goff.

Other survivors include 18 grandchildren: Zach (Ashley) Milligan, Matt (Kelly) Milligan, Lance (Katelyn) Milligan, Luke (Darlene) Milligan, Kara (Tyler) Meyer, Cailyn (Jake) Haley, Rebecca Bell, Blake (Jenna) Peters, Darcey (Aaron) Emmanuel, Evan Milligan, Bethany (Christian) Secchio, Lucas Harpster, Kenzie (Michael) Giese, Dillon (Katlyin) Goff, Samantha (Nathan) Mc-Gregor, Brittney Goff, Jackie Osborne and Nikki Lantis.

He also is survived by 37 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Calvin (Dorothy) Milligan and Leon Milligan; a sister, Shirley (Bill) Bisbee; a mother-in-law, Lillie Louise Curtis; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family members.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers, Wink, Richard, Dean, Kenny and Allen; sister, Mildred Lee Pollard; daughter-in-law, Lori Milligan; and son-inlaw, Patrick Peters.

Jim was raised and educated in the area of his birth. After completing his education, one of his first jobs was hauling cattle across the country.

In 1967, he began his lifelong career with Ford Motor Co., where he remained until his retirement in 1998. During his working years, Jim was a member of United Auto Workers Local No. 249.

Following retirement, Jim devoted his time to farming and operating heavy equipment. He took great pride in keeping his farm in tip-top shape, making sure it was well-maintained and that the weeds and trash were burned off each year.

Jim dearly loved his church family and had a special fondness for babies – not only his own grandchildren and great-grandchildren, but all babies. He enjoyed attending church, spending time with his family, caring for his farm cats, gathering with loved ones and playing cards, where he was known to cheat a little to be sure everyone was paying attention.

He was a jack-of-all-trades, and he could fix anything. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to either New Hope Cemetery or the Heartland Chapel Building Fund. They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home; 507 E. Main St.-P.O. Box 190; Richmond, MO 64085.

Visitation and funeral services were held Friday, Jan. 2, at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond, with visitation beginning at 1:30 p.m., followed by the services at 2:30. Burial occurred in New Hope Cemetery, located north of Hardin.

Please share your memories of Jim with the family at www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.