A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date

Obituary:

James David Milby, 57 of Willow Springs, MO 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, his grandparents Pete (Margaret) DeMarlie, his twin grandchildren and his beloved dogs Skeeter and Bella Blue.

He is survived by his children, Amber Milby-Rodgers (Branden Welch) Jacob Milby, Elizabeth Milby-Gustafson her husband (Shawn Gustafson) and their 2 foster children Everleigh and Ivanna of Kewanee, IL; his grandchildren, Kiara, Dakota, Cheyanne Rodgers, Aliyah & Ariya Werderman. He was looking forward to having more grandchildren in the future. His mother, Louise Bell (Wally Hack) of Northborough, MA; siblings, Annette Milby (Chuck) Zalar, Donald(Marjorie) Milby of Sheffield, IL Scott (Brenda) Milby of Buda, IL and Mark (Elizabeth) Milby of Eldersburg MD; uncles, Raymond and John DeMarlie; several nieces and nephews; his best friend, Greg Pettijohn, friends Richard, Kenny, Rick, Nebraska and Sun Bear John of Missouri.

Jim was married and survived by Amy J. Milby of Palm Springs, CA (Mother of his 3 beautiful children) for 10 years, they remained friends. During that time he graduated with his G.E.D. 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 8 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, 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. You would often see him driving around the small towns of Missouri selling the wood he cut off 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, he was one of a kind.