James D. Milby

James David Milby, 57 of Willow Springs, MO, formerly of Kewanee was called home by his Heavenly Father, February 16, 2021. Jim was born July 17th, 1963 at St Francis Hospital in Kewanee, IL to Louise Marie Bell and Paul Lewis Milby. He was preceded in death by his father, Paul L. Milby; a son before birth; his grandparents, Pete (Margaret) DeMarlie; his twin grandchildren; and his beloved dogs, Skeeter and Belle Blue.He is survived by his children, Amber Milby-Rodgers (Branden Welch), Jacob Milby, Elizabeth Milby-Gustafson (Shawn Gustafson); and their two foster children, Everleigh and Ivanna of Kewanee, IL; his grandchildren: Kiara Rodgers, Dakota Rodgers, Cheyanne Rodgers, and Aliyah & Ariya Werderman, they will forever miss their Big Papa. He was looking forward to having more grandchildren in the future; his mother, Louise Bell (Wally Hack) of Northborough, MA; his siblings, Annette (Chuck) Zalar, Donald (Marge) Milby of Sheffield, IL, Scott (Brenda) Milby of Buda, IL and Mark (Elizabeth) Milby of Eldersburg, MD; his uncles, Raymond and John DeMarlie; several nieces and nephews; his best friend, Greg Pettijohn; and friends, Richard, Kenny, Rick, Nebraska, and Sun Bear John. Jim was married and survived by Amy J. Milby of Palm Springs, CA, mother of his three beautiful children, for ten years, they remained friends. During that time, he graduated with his GED and later earned his computer technician license while living in Niagara Falls, NY. He worked for Orkin for many years in Princeton and was a dedicated single father. For the last eight years, he lived in Missouri, doing what he always wanted which was to live off the land. Jim made friends wherever he traveled, he went by many nicknames such as; Jimmy Crack Corn, Jimbo, Jim Bob, Bourbon Jim, and his favorite, "the Beeman." He loved the outdoors, whether it was fishing, hunting, gardening, searching his land collecting rare rocks, arrowheads, and other treasures he found fascinating. He was a master craftsmen/carpenter, an inventor, musician, handyman, lumberjack, and beekeeper. He loved to share his knowledge with his children, grandchildren, friends and family about everything he could. You would often see him driving around the small towns of Missouri selling the wood he cut of his land in his old Ford F150 "Got Wood" truck as well as playing his instruments for his family and friends. Jim was a simple man who would give you the shirt off his back. He believed in his Lord Jesus Christ and held the values and morals of honesty, helping thy neighbor, and to treat others the way you want to be treated. He loved selflessly and loved his children, grandchildren, mother, siblings, family and friends wholeheartedly. Jim will be deeply missed, there are no words to express the loss of this great man, he was one of a kind. Upon his wishes, he was cremated. Visitation will take place at Schueneman-Tumbleson Funeral Home in Kewanee, IL, May 7th, 2021 from 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm for family and friends to pay their respects. A Celebration of Life will occur at a later date. Memorials may be made to the family or to the following: Blackhawk College Bee Research Department or The American Diabetes Association. Please leave an online condolence for Jim's family at www.schuenemantumblesonfuneralhome.com.
Events

Visitation

May 7, 2021, 5:00 pm
May 7, 2021, 7:00 pm
Schueneman-Tumbleson Funeral Home
219 E. Second St.
Kewanee, IL 61443
Email: info@stfh.info
Phone: (309) 852-2600

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