As a toddler, his family bestowed upon him the nickname “Shot.” Jim served the country in Vietnam and, upon returning home, he opened a shoe repair and leatherworks shop. He then learned sign making in 1978 from Bob Sims. While he developed his trade as a sign maker, he started a family with Bonnie Grieger Milholland in the Taylor area.

In his spare time, he enjoyed freshwater fishing, dove hunting, collecting antique firearms, attending Fall Summit campouts and perfecting the art of smoking meats — just ask anyone who was lucky enough to have tasted his brisket. Jim was an active member of the community, and his contributions will be greatly missed. His dedication and passion for his work as a sign maker have left a lasting mark on the Central Texas region. Notably, his handpainted mascots of the Thrall Tiger in the Thrall High School gym and the Caldwell Hornet on the city water tower still stand as a testament to his skill and artistry. Jim designed recognizable logos from the area that are still in use, such as Floyd’s Glass, Williamson County Equipment Co. and TexMix Concrete. He also designed and built the lighted Christmas star atop the Thrall granary.

Jim was immensely proud to be a third great-grandson of David Crockett. Although he was born Adrian Abraham Milholland Jr., his name was later changed to James Wesley to honor his lineage after David Crockett’s first son, John Wesley Crockett.

Jim is survived by his wife Mary K. Kochan; daughters Samantha and Veronica and their children Connor, Aidan and James; stepdaughter Bailey and her children Aaron and Elizabeth; brother John and sister Peggy in New Mexico; and numerous beloved cousins and family members. He thoroughly enjoyed getting to know his big brother John and other Milholland family members. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, brother William James “Uncle Bill” Edmondston III, Bonnie Grieger Milholland and his “Good Best Friend” Steve Crim.

To honor Jim’s memory, a small memorial gathering will be held at a later date. In line with his wishes, Jim’s body has been donated to health sciences, benefiting the students at the UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Vietnam Veterans of America charity, a local Veterans of Foreign Wars post, Texas Critter Crusaders in Taylor or a local animal shelter.