James Edward Milner

James E. Milner, 82, of Block Island, RI and Adamstown, MD, passed from this life on Friday, May 16, 2025 in Adamstown, MD after a brief battle with cancer. He was the husband of Mary L. Milner, his wife of 39 years.

Born on April 18, 1943, in New York, NY, he was the son of the late Carl T. and Barbara E. Carriel Milner.

During his career, he worked at General Dynamics Electric Boat, Stanwick Corp., and more than 32 years with Bechtel Power Corporation, with assignments that took him to several destinations of the world.

Family boating in his youth led to a life long love of boating, owning both sail and power vessels. He and his wife Mary enjoyed cruising the Intracoastal Waterway as well as the Chesapeake Bay. He built and flew ultralights for a time and earned his private pilot's license. His hobbies included woodworking, building model boats, making things for their home and gifts for others. In recent years Jim had served as a museum guide at Block Island's Southeast Lighthouse, sharing his passion for the landmark lighthouse with thousands of fascinated visitors each summer season.

Surviving in addition to his wife are two children: Dana Breashears and husband Jim, and Chris Milner; five grandchildren: Joshua Ferrara, David Ferrara and wife Karen, Ryan Shores and wife Michelle, Thomas Milner and Michael Milner; six great grandchildren; a brother, David O. Milner and wife Ginger; two nieces: Sharon and Melissa and spouse Tamasin, and a nephew: Martin and wife Suzy; many cousins.

A memorial service will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Southeast Lighthouse Foundation, www.southeastlighthouse.org or PO Box 949, Block Island, RI 02807 or Frederick Health Hospice, 1 Frederick Health Way, Frederick, MD 21701