James Keith “Jim” Million passed away peacefully on December 22, 2015, in Clearwater (formerly of Lafayette), Florida, at the age of 69.
He was born on Tuesday, July 30, 1946, along with his twin brother, Michael Kent, in Lafayette to the late Keith and Margaret (Huguet) Million.
Jim and Mike graduated from Twin Lakes High School in 1964, where Jim received an award in American History from Indiana University.
He attended Indiana State University in Terre Haute for one semester and then volunteered and joined the United States Army for a three year enlistment.
Jim said he had always dreamed of being a soldier.
He choose to be in the 101st Airborne/Paratrooper.
After completing his basic training in Ft. Knox, Kentucky, Jim went on to Ft. Benning, Georgia to complete Jump School and “Earn His Wings”, and then took advanced infantry training at Ft. Dix, New Jersey.
Once he landed in Saigon, the 101st was assigned to the Tropic Lightning 25th Infantry Division, Company B. 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Wolfhound Regiment, and was located in Cu Chi/Iron Triangle (Hell’s Half Acre), Vietnam.
He was in combat there for one year, and he took one Leave to Thailand. While Jim was injured and in the hospital in Tokyo, his unit fought an fierce battle at Tay Ninh and took heavy casualties.
Jim earned the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Gallantry Cross, Presidential Unit Citation and Purple Heart.
Once out of the Army, Jim returned to Monticello and worked for the Indiana Highway Department, and also the old RCA Factory.
Jim lived the majority of his life in Lafayette, but in 2009 decided he needed a change and moved to Clearwater, Florida, to be near his mom, sister, and brother-in-law.
He loved Florida and enjoyed going for walks, reading his history and art books, and listening to French music.
Jim also found peace, comfort and inspiration in watching his religious shows, especially, Joel Osteen.
Christmas was always an important time of year for Jim, because he loved giving and helping others.
He was kind hearted soul with a big heart! Family was everything to Jim!
Jim loved them all dearly and they dearly loved him. He will be missed so very much!
Jim is survived by his twin brother, Michael Million of San Francisco California; sisters, Mary Mead (husband Richard) of Clearwater, Florida and Marjorie Fisher (husband Tom) of Park City, Georgia; nephew, Cole Fisher of Park City, Utah; great niece, Cadence Bell; great nephew Riley Bell, both of Holladay, Utah; and Aunt LoVina Hammond of Layton, Utah.
Visitation from 10 a.m., to 12 (noon) Saturday, January 9th at the Miller – Roscka Funeral Home of Monticello. Funeral Service will be at the funeral home at 12 (noon) Saturday, January 9th with Rev. Chris Dodson of the Monticello Christian Church of Monticello officiating.
Burial with Full Military Rites by the Monticello Veterans Honor Guard of Monticello will follow at the St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in rural Reynolds.
Memorials may be given to the Disabled American Veterans, or to the wishes of the donor. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
