James Virgil Milam, age 88, of West Chester, Iowa, died Friday, July 23, 2021, in West Chester, Iowa.

Graveside services with military honors conducted by Wellman American Legion Post 427 will be held at West Chester Cemetery at a later date. Memorials have been established for Hospice of Washington County. Online condolences may be sent for James's family through the web at www.jonesfh.com . The Jones & Eden Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

James was born August 12, 1932, in Fifty Six, Arkansas, the son of Eugene Howard and Verdia Nell (Coyle) Milam. His family moved to Iowa in 1939 and James attended Lexington Country School in Washington County, Iowa. He was united in marriage to Barbara Ann Crossett on February 2, 1957.

James was a welder at Modine Mfg. in Washington for many years. Following his retirement he worked at ARM Recycling in West Chester. James was a veteran of the Korean war serving honorably in the United States Army. He was a member of the Wellman American Legion Post 427 for 14 years. He loved bluegrass music and traveled to area towns to play music with his friends. He liked watching birds and going on bike rides, surpassing over 12,000 miles on his bike. James was especially proud of his Cherokee/Choctaw heritage.

He is survived by daughter, Vickie Lea Tobin and husband Herb of Washington, Iowa; son Alonzo "Lonnie" Milam of Keota, Iowa; son, James A. "Jim" Milam of Keota, Iowa; daughter, Carmel Ann Miller and husband George of Washington, Iowa; son, Thomas "Tom" Milam and wife Jennean of West Chester, Iowa; daughter, Dosha Romoser and husband Andy of Brighton, Iowa; son, Samson "Sam" Milam and wife Betsy of Washington, Iowa; "adopted son" Steven Lippard; twelve grandchildren: Teresa, Tammy, T.J., Tuesdee, Barry, Jason, Justin, Alyssa, Brittney, Heather, Jennifer and Jimmy; 28 great grandchildren and six great great grandchildren. He is also survived by one sister, Linda Thompson of Washington, Iowa; and special friend, Denise Anderson.

James was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Barbara; four sisters: Lorene Milam, Aileen Kelly, Essie Riley, Gladys Kucera; one brother, Harold Milam; and daughter-in-law, Deb Milam.