Jere Lee Milliken, formerly of Truro, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on Aug. 2, 2024 after a long and unrelenting fight to recover from a fall. He was 87.
A private memorial service was held on Jere’s 88th birthday at Truro Congregational Church Cemetery.
Jere had retired to a life in Florida where he and his wife, Lynne, had decided to spend their days in the hot sun of their quiet yard, reading, doing puzzles, sipping iced tea, and enjoying each other’s company, and the company of three generations of family members trickling in for Winter respites.
Jere was born on July 18, 1937 in Wayne, to James and Marie Milliken where he was raised on a farm with his three siblings, Lorraine, Ralph and Ronald.
Upon high school graduation, Jere joined the Air Force. Shortly after, he was stationed in Japan, followed by New Jersey where he met Lynne (Davis) on a blind date, the love of his life and no sooner, his bride of 66 years. Within three years of marriage, they had three children: Debra, James, and David. Jere’s military career moved the family all over the country. They lived in Sacramento, California, Spokane and Neah Bay, Washington, Satellite Beach, FL, Hickam AFB, HI, until finally landing at the North Truro, MA AFB. Jere lived in Truro, Massachusetts until moving to Micco, Florida in 2018.
The greatest honor of his military career happened when he was stationed in Hawaii and escorted Vietnam POW’s back to the United States. Somewhere along his career, he earned the name “Mule” for his strength and stubbornness. True, his strength was impressive. After retirement, he worked as a landscaper at Bayberry Gardens in Truro, where his ability to move earth would turn the heads of his much younger coworkers. After landscaping with Bayberry for over a decade, he retired with a “golden shovel” as a trophy and symbol of his unmet muscle.
Jere was a true patriot, proud to serve his country, and always respectfully flying a flag. His great grandchildren knew he loved the flag so much, they would send him birthday cards with their own flag interpretations, and draw chalk flags in his driveway when visiting his Florida home. Needless to say, his favorite holiday was July 4th. In addition to his palpable patriotism, Jere was incredibly generous, hospitable, genuine and thoughtful. He never forgot a birthday, and he always asked questions and tried to get to know people as best he could, finding common ground in the smallest detail.
He was extremely proud of his family, and loved clothing adorned with various colleges attended by his beloved grandchildren. The other part of his wardrobe included broken in t-shirts and cut off sweatshirts from his favorite sports teams. Being from Nebraska, he was a huge lover of football, but also, (despite his brothers’ disapproval) a devoted Patriots fan. Parked next to his favorite chair during a football game, one would often find a dog, enjoying Jere’s attention and ear rubs. Jere was an unwavering dog lover, always with biscuits in his pocket and never hesitating to share his ice cream cone with a four legged friend.
In addition to his family, his country, sports, and dogs, Jere enjoyed running in his younger years, surf fishing at Balston and Fisher Beach, and reading non-fiction. Among his favorite books was “Running With Sherman”, whose subtitle, “Donkey with the heart of a hero” nearly describes the human- or “mule”- that Jere aspired to be, and without a doubt, was.
Survivors include his wife, Lynne Davis Milliken; daughter Debra Souza (Paul) of Truro, Massachusetts; son James Milliken (Monica Fimple) of Vinita, Oklahoma; son David Milliken (Christy) of Truro, Massachusetts; grandchildren Natalie Van Staden of Wellfleet, MA; Brittany Souza (Tom Kane) of Truro, MA; Isabel Souza of Truro, MA; Anna Milliken of Waco, TX; Luke Milliken of Eastham, MA; Paige Milliken of Wayne, NE. He leaves his great-grandchildren, Emerson, Ruby and Ada Kane of Truro, MA, and Essie Van Staden of Wellfleet, MA as well as many nieces and nephews and a brother, Ronald Milliken of Wayne.
He is predeceased by sister Lorraine Hovde of Neb, brother Ralph Milliken of NE, and granddaughter, Alyssa Milliken of Truro, MA.
Donations in Jere’s memory can be made to Tunnels to Towers, Wounded Warriors, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Animal Rescue, or the charity of one’s choice. Jere was a giver himself and would appreciate any gift given to a good cause in his memory.
