James Larry Milam

James Larry Milam departed this life on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, surrounded by family, and at peace in the promise of Christ’s resurrection. 

Larry was born on February 25, 1945, to the late Edris and James Milam in Glasgow, Missouri. He grew up on a family farm, and relished his country upbringing. Larry attended Glasgow High School, where he played basketball and ran track, and was a member of the graduating class of 1963. He then attended Central Methodist College in Fayette, MO, where he was a member of the Chi Delta fraternity. He graduated in 1967 with a degree in math education, and took a job teaching high school math in Troy, Missouri. 

Larry was drafted into the United States Army during the Vietnam War, and his exceptional math aptitude led him into service at a NATO Missile Installation in West Germany. After returning to civilian life, Larry continued teaching math at Troy High School, then Jennings High School, and eventually Hazelwood East High School. While living at the Matador Villa Apartments in St. Louis, MO, Larry became enchanted by a smart and beautiful young woman who lived across the courtyard, Mary Schulte. After a few months, he finally worked up the courage to ask her out (for which his children and grandchildren remain eternally grateful). Larry and Mary were married in June 1974 and settled in Spanish Lake. 

Larry dedicated his career to the education of young people. Along with teaching high school math, he also taught college courses that prepared future educators. After “retiring” from high school math education, he also went on teach math at Torah Prep School of St. Louis, and he later co-founded Ace Learning Centers, where students who had difficulty learning in typical high school settings were able to earn their diplomas. Additionally, he was a member of the City of St. Charles Board of Education, where he served as President for several years.

Larry wore many hats in life, but always considered his most important roles those of husband, father, and grandfather. Larry and Mary were blessed with three children - Jeffrey, Jennifer and James. Larry was a tireless supporter of their academic, creative, and athletic endeavors, and he always strived to instill the virtues of hard work and perseverance in his children. Family summers were spent on long road trips across the US, traveling to mid-Missouri to visit Larry’s beloved parents, or otherwise on the road to national sports memorabilia conventions. Later in life, Larry and Mary enjoyed frequent trips to Branson to see the Gaithers perform, or to visit children and their families when they lived out of state. Recently, the whole family traveled to Lake Michigan to celebrate Larry and Mary’s 50th anniversary. More than anything, Larry enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren; they were the apples of his eye, and could often be observed running into the house yelling “Papa!” and embracing him with pure joy. 

Larry never took for granted the small joys of life, like enjoying pecan pie, old country music and old Westerns, making chocolate chip ice cream, growing the World’s Best Blackberries, taking walks, Christmas popcorn tins, snuggling with granddogs in his recliner, and Saturdays spent watching college football. Above all, Larry loved his family fiercely, and never hesitated to tell them so. They were blessed by every minute spent with him. 

Larry is survived by his wife of 50 years, Mary (Schulte) Milam, his children Jeffrey (Jennifer) Milam, Jennifer (Neil) Miller Shawe, and James (Ashley) Milam; his grandchildren Braden Miller, Anthony Miller, Emily Milam, Addie Milam, James A. Milam, Harper Milam, Ryan Shawe, and Daphne Milam; and his step-grandchildren Vanessa, Maddie, and Chase Shawe. He is also survived by his brother Dale (Debbie) Milam, as well as loving brothers- and sisters-in-law and many nieces and nephews. Larry is reunited in death with his parents, his mother- and father-in-law, Viola and Joseph Schulte, and his son-in-law, Tony Miller. 

Larry’s friends and family will miss him dearly, and cherish him always. A public visitation will be held at 9:00AM on Saturday, October 12 at Parkway United Church of Christ in Town and Country, MO, followed by a funeral at PUCC at 11:00AM, and then internment at Baue Cave Springs. In lieu of flowers, his family asks that you make a donation to Connect Outreach Fund at First Baptist Church of St. Charles, an organization that was close to his heart.