"On a perfect day, with a perfect wife and life, we will fly away."

James Wishard Milton, age 89, of Bells, Texas, was lovingly called home to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on April 22, 2025.

James was born on October 29, 1935, in Oak Ridge, Texas, to Anderson Loy Milton and Laura Lavinia Wishard Milton. He grew up in the Oak Ridge community on a 14-acre farm, where he was surrounded by the love of family and the values that would shape his life. He was the proud big brother to two sisters, Loye Virginia and Emma Agnes.

After graduating from high school in 1953, James worked several jobs while continuing to farm alongside his father. It was during this time that he met the love of his life, Glenda Louise Reece — a young woman he described as "beautiful and wonderful." Their love story would become the foundation of a long and faithful marriage.

In August of 1958, James was drafted into the U.S. Army and sent to Fort Chaffee, Arkansas. After completing his training, he and Glenda were married on Christmas Day, December 25, 1958 — a day they would cherish forever. Soon after, while stationed at Fitzsimmons Army Hospital in Denver, Colorado, they welcomed their son, Gary Paul Milton, into the world.

After completing his military service, James returned to Texas and began working in civil service for the Department of the Air Force at Perrin Air Force Base in Sherman. In 1967, he and Glenda bought a 3-acre property just east of Sherman near Bells, where they put down deep roots. They raised their family there, tending the land, raising cattle, baling hay, and enjoying the simple joy of hard work from sunup to sundown.

In 1971, James began a long and fulfilling career as a car inspector and repairman with Frisco Railroad in Sherman, later continuing with Burlington Northern-Santa Fe Railroad until his retirement on May 31, 2001. His dedication, strong work ethic, and quiet integrity left a lasting impression on those who knew him.

James's greatest calling, however, was his service to God and his church. He served as a deacon at Dewey and Parkview Church of Christ from 1960 to 1991, and later as an elder from 1991 to 1996. He was a faithful leader, a humble servant, and a steadfast man of God. Through the years, he shared his deep faith by writing several booklets about his spiritual journey, offering guidance and encouragement to others seeking to follow the Gospel of Christ.

James Milton was a man of devotion — to his faith, to his family, and to his community. His life was a testament to love, service, and grace. He will be deeply missed, but his legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the example he set.

James is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Glenda Milton; his son, Gary Milton; granddaughter, Amme Cissell and her husband Cole Cissell, great-granddaughter Maude Gervais; grandson, and Tyler Milton and his wife Kristen Milton, great-children James and Hannah Allison.

He was preceded in death by his father A.L. Milton and mother Laura Milton, his sisters Loye Virginia and Emma Agnes, and daughter-in-law Judy Milton.

Pallbearers are Tracy Bell, David Cunningham, Steve Cunningham, Greg Elkins, Charlie Pedigo, Joe Pedigo, Stan Smith, and Mark Youree.