James Kendall Milburn

Jim was born in Harrison, (Boone County), Arkansas, on October 14, 1936, a son of Arliss Edward Milburn and Gertrude Elizabeth (Kendall) Milburn.

Jim graduated from Harrison High School in 1955, where he played football with the Goblins. After High School, he pursued his dream career as a mechanical engineer at Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy in Rolla, Missouri, where he was a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity. After obtaining his degree, Jim became a mechanical engineer for Rocketdyne in Neosho, Missouri. At Rocketdyne, Jim was involved in the development of the Saturn V Rocket engine which carried American astronauts to the moon. In 1968, after Rocketdyne shut down, Jim moved to Arlington and joined LTV in Dallas where he worked on the development of multiple military aircraft, the 7xx series of Boing aircraft and finally ended his career working on the B-2 Stealth bomber.

While living in Neosho, Jim met and married the love of his life, Twyla Jeffery, and they were blessed with one son, James Kendall (Ken) Milburn, Jr and took in his nephew Marvin (Jeff) Jeffery who was raised as a second son and brother to Ken.

Jim was a member of the First Methodist Church in Arlington, the Elks Lodge, and the Mended Hearts Group. He was active in Boy Scouts and traveled with his son Ken to Philmont Scout Ranch where they hiked together through the mountains in New Mexico. Later, Jim and Twyla opened their home to both of their mothers and cared for them in their declining years.

Jim loved the beach and made many trips to Gulf Shores, Alabama with his family. He especially enjoyed fishing in the gulf with his brothers, Ed and David. Jim enjoyed a trip to Peru where he hiked Machu Picchu with David and Suzy. He also enjoyed taking short trips to play the slots at his favorite Casinos. Jim also continued contact with Twi’s extended family and made the trip to Nebraska every year to the Sorenson family reunion until Covid hit.

Jim is survived by his son, James Kendall (Ken) Milburn, Ken’s wife Anna (Treinies) Milburn, grandchildren, Brandon, Nicole, Aidan, Dylan, Ryan and one great grandchild, Lucas Milburn as well as Marvin’s children Jason and Joey Jeffery and their families. Brothers Ed Milburn (and Dicksie) and David Milburn (and Suzy), nieces Melody Davis, Amy Patton, and Emily McConnell, nephew Rick Milburn, and many cousins.

Funeral arrangements are set for Arlington at Moore Funeral Home on 2/18 with viewing at 2pm and service at 3pm. Jim will be transported to Harrison Arkansas. Arrangements in Harrison at Holt Memorial Chapel on 2/26 with viewing at 9am and service at 10am. Burial will be in Maplewood Cemetery in Harrison, Arkansas.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.moore-funeralhome.com for the MILBURN family.