James Michael Milligan died unexpectedly on September 27, 2011 at his Pompano Beach home at the age of 74. Born in Key West, FL he was the son of James Wiley and Erma Kienast Milligan. Micky, as he was known to friends and family, was a graduate of Lake Worth High School and Palm Beach Junior College, where he was a member of Alpha Fidelphia. He graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1961, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology. Micky’s love for geology was soon replaced with a love for flying when he enlisted as an officer in the US Navy in 1961. Lieutenant Milligan served as a Navy pilot in the Vietnam War flying C-130 transports with a Military Air Transport Squadron based in Norfolk, VA. In 1966, he began his career as a commercial pilot for American Airlines, eventually retiring as a Captain on the A300 Airbus in 1997. Micky resided on Long Island, NY, for 20 years where he raised his family, pursued his career, and enjoyed being an active sportsman. An avid fisherman since childhood, Micky also enjoyed hunting deer with bow and arrow, bowling, golfing, tennis, skiing, and sailing. Micky realized a dream when he sailed his 43-foot Gulfstar south, living aboard the Southern Star in Elizabeth City, NC and Myrtle Beach, SC. He eventually settled in Pompano Beach, FL with his beloved second wife, Arlene Auerbach Milligan, of Elizabeth City, who later predeceased him. Micky is survived by two daughters, Elizabeth Milligan of San Jose, CA and Wendy True of Newburyport, MA; his son-in-law Bruce True, and two granddaughters, Sarah and Mary True, also of Newburyport; his sister and brother-in-law, Judy and Robert Harris, of Mobile, AL; and his first wife, Dorothea (Dottie) Burns Milligan (mother of his children), of Byfield, MA. Visitation will be held at the Mizell-Faville-Zern Funeral Home at Hillcrest Memorial Park in West Palm Beach, FL from 10:00 – 11:00 AM on Monday, October 3, 2011, immediately followed by a graveside service with Military Honors. Micky will be remembered for his enduring spirit of adventure, dedicated service, and love for his family.
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