James S. Millick

      Jim Millick, 66, of Davenport, passed away on Feb. 3, 2026, at University of Iowa Hospitals in Iowa City after a sudden and unexpected illness.          

      Jim was born on Nov. 17, 1959, as the first of two children born to Hugh and Viola Millick of Bettendorf. After graduating from Bettendorf High School in 1978, Jim graduated from St. Ambrose College in Davenport. For years, he worked in information technology at the Rock Island Arsenal before spending the latter half of his career at John Deere. 

      Jim was life-long music fan, and over the years he attended more than 60 Bruce Springsteen concerts - usually with his long-time friends Kevin, Ray, Clark, John and Erin. He also loved animals, and was known to take long walks through his neighborhood armed with a variety of treats for any dogs that might cross his path. 

      Jim also had an appreciation for cars that predated the acquisition of his learner's permit, and he was a proud member of the Porsche Club of America -- a group he originally joined purely for his love of Porsches, but then came to embrace for the many friendships he formed with club members in America and abroad. 

      To many of Jim's work associates, he was known simply for being one of the most intelligent and studious people with whom they'd ever worked. For all those who counted Jim as a close friend, he was known first and foremost for his bone-dry sense of humor and his unerring opinion as to which films and television programs were worth one's time. As a 13-year-old, he saw "American Graffiti" at Bettendorf's Spruce Hills Cinema more than a dozen times -- usually with his little sister, Linda, in tow. Later, his love for "The Rockford Files" spawned a habit of leaving hilarious (and much-appreciated) Rockford-style messages on friends' answering machines. 

      To his credit, Jim was able to find humor even in some of life's misfortunes. He'd describe his travails in graphic detail to friends, always highlighting his own discomfort in terms that left his listeners howling with laughter. Invariably, Jim would say with mock indignation, "I'm glad you find my misery so amusing." 

      Jim was exceptionally well-read, and later in life he made a concerted effort to stay informed not only on issues of the day, but on historical events. As he grew older, he also broadened his social circle and spoke openly of the pride he took in the accomplishments of friends and family – all of whom will miss him dearly. 

      Jim is survived by his sister and biggest supporter, Linda Plummer, and by his brother-in-law, William Plummer. 

      In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim's name to the Quad-City Animal Welfare Center in Milan, Ill. 

      A celebration of Jim is being planned for the spring.