Delbert Milam

XENIA — Delbert Harold "Jim" Milam, 80, passed away peacefully at his home in Xenia, Ohio with his family at his bedside on September 25, 2014. He was the beloved husband of Carol Lamar Milam for over 44 years with whom he shared the love of playing cards and dancing the Jitterbug among other things. Delbert was born on February 23, 1934 in Dunbar, West Virginia. He was a graduate of Rutland High School. He served in the US Army from 1956-1962, stationed in Germany. He retired from Ohio Operating Engineers as a heavy equipment operator. He ran a concrete paver that formed highways and bridges both in the local areas and out of state. He was a self-proclaimed greeter at Walmart in Xenia. He loved to sit at Subway and tell his jokes to everyone. He was an avid Dale Earnhardt and Dale Earnhardt Jr. fan and he loved his Cleveland Browns. He had a wonderful sense of humor that lasted right up until the end. Delbert is preceded in death by his parents, Delbert and Ethel Boggess Milam; sister, Edith Derrick; brother, Henry Milam and son, Jeffrey Milam. Delbert was a devoted father to his daughters, Bobbie (Shawn) DeLotelle of Xenia, Billie (Greg) Fry of Ft. Wayne, IN., Lisa (Brian) Graham of Springboro, Kris (Tom) Elam of Franklin, Gigi (Larry) Voiles of Xenia; and to his son, Charlie (Jean) Terrell of Xenia. He was a loving grandfather to Ryan (Cristin) Butler, Kaleb (Nikki) Voiles, Charlie Jr. & Rachel Terrell, Jasmine & Justin Spiller, Alex Wheeler, Brennon & Gavin Fry, and Logan, Noah & Grant DeLotelle. He was also a proud great-grandfather to Easton, E'lynn and Chloe Butler. Delbert is also survived by his sister, Louise Soulsby of Pomeroy; dear friends, Joe Marrow of Waynesville, Albert Reed of Xenia, Eugene Russell of Xenia, Eugene Fischer of Xenia, and Richard Grimes of Xenia; and many wonderful nieces, nephews and cousins. His wishes were to donate his body to Wright State University. In true form, when asked as to why, he replied, "I always wanted to go to college." In honor of his special gift to medical science, a brick will be donated in his name and placed on a pathway at WSU. Delbert's final request was not to have a memorial service. He did not want others to focus on his loss but rejoice in his freedom, remember the good times, and always have a joke ready. He will be terribly missed. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to Hospice of Dayton 324 Wilmington Avenue, Dayton, Ohio 45420.