John Russell Milligan

John Russell Milligan passed away peacefully at his home in North Tustin, California on June 25, 2024. He was 90 years old. John will be remembered as a loving husband, devoted father and grandfather, and avid golfer.

John (“Jackie”) was born in Trenton, New Jersey to parents John S. and Florence Milligan. He attended Bordentown High School where he played on the school basketball team and held his first job as groundskeeper at a local golf course. John graduated from Rutgers University, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Economics and was an enthusiastic member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. John met his future wife, Patricia Dorsett, on the train while commuting to college from Trenton. They were married for nearly 68 years and lovingly raised their daughter, Beth Ann, together.

John began his professional life at the General Electric company, working in Pennsylvania and Ohio. After a short time in the US Army, he worked at the Campbell Soup Company in New Jersey, beginning a 30-year career in the food processing industry. He then accepted a position at Hunt-Wesson Foods, transferring to various locations in New Jersey, Ohio, and finally to California. While at Hunts, John became a leader in Total Quality Management. He retired in 1994 as Director of Operations from the Conagra corporate offices in Fullerton, California.

John was a passionate golfer. He enjoyed playing golf and attending PGA Tour tournaments with family and friends. In his later years he liked watching golf on TV with his family and caretakers. He and Patricia enjoyed traveling to anywhere there was a golf course, including Palm Springs, San Diego, Carmel, Tahoe, Hilton Head, Augusta and St. Andrews. When not golfing, John enjoyed dinner and a movie with friends and watching Lakers basketball with his grandsons.

John is survived by his wife, Patricia Milligan, daughter and son-in-law, Beth and Timothy Grasel, and grandsons, John and Kevin Grasel. Although he will be greatly missed by all who knew him, we take comfort in knowing that he now has a daily tee time with his heavenly golf buddies.

A graveside service for John will be held on Saturday, July 13, 2024 from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM at Fairhaven Memorial Park, 1702 Fairhaven Ave, Santa Ana, CA 92705.

Fond memories and photos of John, as well as condolences to the Milligan family may be shared through this website.