James Craig Millard

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James Craig Millard

NORTH OGDEN a€" On November 26, 2010, Jim passed away at his home after a valiant, two year battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his loving family.

Jim was born on December 10, 1947 to Merle and Myrle Millard. He married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Jean Maybury, on May 2, 1969, in the SLC LDS Temple. They were blessed with four children.

After working for the government for 27 years, he retired in 1993 from Hill Air Force Base in planning and engineering. He was active in the LDS Church serving as a High Priest, Finance and Membership Clerk, Sunday School Teacher, and Home Teacher. Jim was actively involved in sports. He played basketball, baseball and softball. He coached all of his children and was dedicated to being the biggest fan at his grandchildren''s sports events. For the past 12 years, he enjoyed taking his brother-in-law, Greg, to the gym. They enjoyed playing racquetball with friends.

In 1989 Jim was the recipient of a liver transplant from LDS Hospital. One of his greatest desires was to meet his donor family. In May 2008, his wish came true when he met the Gail Walker Family, whom he loved very much. In 2006, Jim also received a kidney transplant donated by his sister, Donna.

Despite his challenges, Jim was always positive. He never complained. His family was his main priority and support. He was known as "The Miracle Man" by many. He served his life mission well and returned with honor.

Jim was a strong advocate for organ donation. His life''s mission was to help people understand the miracle of organ donation by speaking at different organizations. For 18 years, he volunteered as a consultant with the Transplant Dept. at IMC. Along with his good friend and fellow recipient, George Gates, they would counsel organ recipients and their families. Last year, IMC honored Jim by naming their Volunteer of the Year Award after him.

The Millard family expresses their gratitude to the Utah Cancer Specialists doctors and staff. And a special thanks to all the transplant doctors and staff who have cared for Jim over the years.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, mother-in-law, Edna Maybury, brother-in-law, Grant Maybury, and nephew Darrin Krim.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara, his children, Becky (Dean) Stokes, Pleasant View; Michele (Tim) Johnson, Farr West; Brian (Sher) Millard, North Ogden; Tami (Zach) Ridderhoff, Farr West. His grandchildren, Tayler Fry, Brea Stokes, Jeron and Trace Johnson, Owen and Chloe Millard, and Brynlee and Jaxon Ridderhoff, his brother, Jack (Barbara) Millard, his sister, Donna (Stan) Ferrin, his father-in-law, Albert Maybury, and many loving relatives and friends, including his furry friends.

Funeral services will be Friday, December 3, 2010 at 11 a.m. at the Ben Lomond Stake Center, 3610 North 650 East North Ogden.

Family will greet friends on Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lindquist''s North Ogden Mortuary, 2140 North 400 East, and Friday from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. at the Stake Center.

Interment, Ben Lomond Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Transplant Patients in memory of James C. Millard at Deseret Foundation, 8th Ave. C Street SLC., Utah 84143 or #801-408-1775.

"Don''t take your organs to Heaven... Heaven knows we need them here!"

Send condolences to the family at: www.lindquistmortuary.com