James R. "Jim" Milliken Jr, 55 of Haverhill, MA, died Thursday at Holy Family Hospital, Haverhill, MA.

Jim was born in New London, CT. He grew up and was educated in Revere, MA. He was a resident of Haverhill, MA for the past 7 years.

Jim was a retired self-employed painter & a prior poker dealer at Rockingham Park (Salem, NH). He was a former member of the Irish American Club in Malden, MA where he played in a dart league. He enjoyed live blues music, spending time lounging & listening to music at the beach – his claim to fame was making sure he swam in the ocean the first day of the year that hit 70 degrees, golfing with his son and taking adventures with his longtime girlfriend Bridgette & late rottweiler Winston. Most of all Jim loved to cook Italian food, entertain his friends in the back yard by the fire, and smoke/BBQ meat.  He had a booming laugh and would make sure that his jokes and unique sarcasm would bring a smile to anyone he encountered. His family and friends were everything to him, especially his children, Jay & Rachael.

Jim was predeceased by his father James R. Milliken, who passed away in 2016.

Jim's mother, Paula (Caporale) Milliken of Springfield, ME is the matriarch of the family who Jim loved and respected.  His dream was to someday own a home in Plum Island, big enough to give her an in-law space to reciprocate all she has done for him over the past 55 years.

He is survived by his children: James R. "Jay" Milliken III and his fiancé Kyra Demouth of Quincy, MA, and Rachael Milliken of Wakefield, MA. Jim was lucky enough to be at home during the day to take care of his children when they were young.  He loved to reminisce about their daily adventures to waterfalls, beaches, and museums.

Jim's life partner, Bridgette Bossidy of Haverhill, MA, embraces the memories of the past 11 years, and although they had many hopes and dreams for the future, she finds comfort knowing that he loved "his baby".  He made sure to tell her every night that he loved and appreciated her.

Siblings: Brian and his wife Lisa Milliken of Milton, NH and Natalie and her husband Denis Couture of Berwick, ME, and many nieces and nephews, who he adored.

Soulshine is better than sunshine, better than moonshine and damn better than the rain.  May your soul shine Jimmy.

Friends and relatives are invited to calling hours on Thursday, August 3rd from 4-7 PM at the Carrier Family Funeral Home, 38 Range Rd, Windham, NH. Funeral services will be private for the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Disabled American Veterans at www.dav.org

For directions or to send a message of condolence to the family, please visit www.carrierfuneralhome.com