James C. Aikey

James “Joey, Joe, JoJo” C. Aikey, 70 of Milton, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family, on November 19th, 2024. He was born on May 15th, 1954, in Burlington, Vermont, to James and Esther [Lamphere] Aikey.

Joey touched many people near and far. He was very well liked and loved life. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, spending many days fishing on the banks off the Lamoille River. Joey could also be found sitting by a fire in his yard or hanging out in his garage, surrounded by all his treasures and listening to the ‘oldies’, especially from the 50’s. Throughout his life, he had many jobs, such at the University of Vermont Medical Center, Omega Auto and most recently at Goodwill, but Joey’s real passion was ‘yard sale-ing’ just like his mom, Esther Aikey. Summers were spent searching through treasure troves at the local yard sales and flea markets. If you wanted to make a deal, he was your man!

Joey loved playing a game of cards and going to the casino. He was also an avid sports fan and enjoyed being on the open road, taking many road trips. Anyone who needed a helping hand could count on him and would never miss a family gathering. He had an outgoing personality & a genuine love of people, but most of all, he loved children. He loved meeting people and talking with them and finding out where they were from. He especially loved Vermont and the simple life that people led in Vermont. He was old school in ‘GOOD OLE VT’.

He is survived by his beloved wife Deborah Aikey, his daughter Christine Blackburn and her partner Spencer Collins, his grandchildren, Riley Vanbenthuysen and Jordan Blackburn and step granddaughter Kaylee Garrison. His sisters; Sandy and her husband Kevin Gauthier, Barbara Aikey and her friend Cathy, Julie Archacki, and his brother Timothy Aikey and partner Diane. He’s also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles as well as many, many friends.

James was predeceased by his son James (Jimi) R Aikey, daughter Janelle Aikey, his mom Esther Aikey, his father James “Jimmy” Aikey, and his best friend Stevie Graves.

Visiting hours will be held at the Minor Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Milton on November 30th, 2024, from 2:00pm to 6:00pm. A committal service will take place the next day, December 1st, 2024, at the West Milton Cemetery beginning at 11:00am. A reception at the Arrowhead Senior Center in Milton will begin immediately following the committal service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Joey's name to St. Jude’s's Children Hospital which can be done online by clicking here.