James L Milby
(May 05, 1922 – November 27, 2015)
A family memorial service will be held at a later date pursuant to Jim’s wishes. Arrangements are by Howe and Yockey Funeral Home, Shelbyville, IL.
Jim was born on May 5, 1922 in Springfield, IL, the son of Joseph and Ida Florence Perkins Milby. He married Irene Smith on February 27, 1945. Jim worked at the Oliver plant in Shelbyville, IL for 23 years, and then worked at Switchcraft in Sullivan, IL until his retirement.
Jim was a self-taught musician, most known for his talent as a piano and fiddle player. He was a member of the Illinois Old Time Fiddler’s Association. His love of music began at the age of seven, when he started playing in his family band, “The Okaw Ridgerunners”. He later became well known throughout central Illinois while performing with several different bands, including the Findlay Okaw Opry house band and his own bands, “The Moonlighters” and “Jim Milby and Friends.”
Jim was an avid Cub fan. He also knew no strangers and loved to make people laugh with his quick wit, having a joke for any given situation, even up to just moments before he passed. He had a gentle and kind personality and will be greatly missed by family and friends.
He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Irene; son, Russell (Cathy) Milby of Petersburg, IL; daughters, Sandy Milby of Mulkeytown, IL and Linda (Norman) Robards of Flora, IL; seven grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; one great great granddaughter; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Ida; father, Joseph; brothers, Walter, Leslie, Frankie, Leonard and twin brother, Joe “Jody” Milby; and sisters, Elizabeth Aebersold, Elsie Collins and Bertha Bratton.
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