James Milton McWilliams, retired machinist
James Milton McWilliams, 85, of Millsboro, passed peacefully at the Longview, Wash. Hospice Care Center Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2011. Jim was born in Canonsburg, Pa., April 27, 1926, the son of Frank McWilliams and Edna Shepherd of Norwood, Pa.
Preceding him in death were his wife of 42 years, Frances Oldham; his daughter Jana McWilliams; and his only brother, George McWilliams. He is survived by former wife Jacqueline Chagnon; two daughters, June McWilliams of Englewood, Colo. and Joy Massey of Rainier, Ore.; two grandsons, Cody and Zane Hylton, and great-granddaughter Adahlia, all of Oregon; also stepchildren Wayne Drake of Inglis, Fla., and Lucy Burger of Georgetown.
A long-time resident of Aston Township and later of Millsboro, he spent the last year of his life with his beloved poodle Sissey at the home of his daughter Joy, overlooking the Columbia River in Rainier.
Jim was a proud World War II Navy veteran who served on the USS Wadleigh. He spent most of his work life as machinist for Boeing Helicopter until retiring in 1980. He served as steward of American Legion Post 426 in Aston Township, enjoyed fishing and was a skilled bowler in many local leagues in southeastern Pennsylvania and southern Delaware.
Services and burial were private. Memorial donations can be made to either the Delaware Hospice Center, 100 Patriots Way, Milford DE 19963, or the Longview Washington Hospice Care Center.
