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James Miles "Jim" "Coach" Milliron

Jim Milliron passed away on November 4, 2023, at the age of 81.

Born on March 18, 1942 in Kittanning, PA to Miles and Dorothy Milliron, Jim was raised to love the outdoors, animals, and sports.

He often reminisced about growing up in the Kittanning Highlands with his sisters Suzie and Nancy. His tales involved horseback riding and an illustrious cast of dogs and even ducks at his uncle Dr. Joseph W. Milliron's in Applewold.

It was his athleticism that earned him notoriety at Kittanning High School but also football, wrestling, & baseball scholarships across the country. He chose Arizona State University, where he played football under the coaching of the legendary Frank Kush.

At ASU, he met Juanita Bobbish, and upon graduation, they married and moved back to Kittanning, PA, where they both became schoolteachers and raised a family. Jim naturally earned a position as a physical & health educator. Known as "Coach", he held a variety of assignments in the Armstrong School District and his personality left a lasting impression for multiple generations.

Jim never lost his love of the outdoors but added cooking, gardening, country drives, fishing trips to Canada with Suzie and Mitch and of course drinking beer to his favorite pastimes.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Juanita and is survived by his children, Kirsten Echnoz & Jimmy Milliron; and grandchildren, Elle Echnoz and Herik & Inga Milliron.

A private ceremony was held by his children Kirsten & Jimmy, and son in law Chip Echnoz. Jim took one last drive on November 8, 2023. The autumn weather was unbelievable driving through Smicksburg, and Amish country. We stopped at Avi's bar in Rural Valley for a six pack, and all the tv's were playing Gunsmoke. Jim's favorite TV show!

Then off to Garrets Run & Chip's "Double E" farm, where a herd of deer were waiting at the Round Top, Jim's favorite hunting area. We let his ashes, along with the ashes of Bud his Yellow Lab & Louie the French Bulldog ashes go then a rainbow/sunburst appeared.

Contributions may be made in Jim's memory to Orphans of the Strom, PO Box 838, Kittanning, PA 16201.

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