Dr. Richard James Millikin, 70 of Columbus, MS passed on February 19, 2017.

A memorial service will be held on March 21,2017 at 2:00 PM at Carrier Chapel on the MUW Campus, Columbus, MS.   Lowndes Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Dr. Millikin was born November 29, 1946, in Champaign, IL to the late Maj. Eugene James and Mary Lois Straus Millikin.  Before beginning his academic career, he served in the United States Navy and the United States Air Force.  While in the military, he had the opportunity to swim under the Mekong River and fly a number of different aircraft.  He was an aircraft instructor for the T-41 and T-38.  He was a crew commander for the B-52G and piloted the T-33, F-4E and F15A.  Dr. Millikin then began his academic career, he received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Bachelor of Science in Oceanography from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.  He then received an M. Ed. Counselor Education and a Ph.D. in Counselor Education from Mississippi State University. Dr. Millikin went on to retire from Mississippi University for Women where he served as Professor for 21 years.   He enjoyed hunting, fishing, water skiing, auto mechanics, wood-working and goofing off.  Dr. Millikin had a love for rescuing dogs especially German Shepherds.

Dr. Millikin is survived by his daughter – Erika (Scott) Accardi, New Rochelle, NY; son – Ryan James Millikin,
Murphreesboro, TN; aunt – Margaret "Peg" Patierno.

Memorials may be made to Columbus Lowndes Human e Society, P.O. Box 85, Columbus, MS  39703.