MILFORD - James D. Abbott passed away surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, Oct. 22, 2015 at the Delaware Hospice Center in Milford. Jim was born in Milford Memorial Hospital on Nov. 14, 1938 son of the late James D. and Mary (Davis) Abbott. He graduated from Milford High School with the Class of 1956 and served in the Army National Guard from 1959 until 1964. Mr. Abbott was employed by the State of Delaware as a surveyor prior to joining the Delaware Electric Cooperative. He was employed by the cooperative for 38 years in the engineering department, retiring in 1998. One of his greatest moments was a trip to Montana in 2007 where his father was born. It was there he found a long lost cousin. Jim took pride in his grandchildren's achievements, attending all their events. They were the love of his life. He was also an avid bird watcher and was especially proud of his purple martins. He was a 66 year member of the Avenue United Methodist Church in Milford, a member of the Chesapeake Walk to Emmaus Community, and a member of the Masonic Temple Lodge No 9 A.F.&A.M. in Milford. His father, James D. Abbott, was a past chief of the Carlisle Fire Company in Milford and Jim followed in his father's footsteps. Jim was a Life Member of the company joining on Dec. 5, 1956. He held numerous positions during his tenure with the company including President, Director, and Engineer as well as proudly serving on the finance and fire prevention committees. In 2005, he was presented with Fireman of the Year by his peers. Jim had the distinguished honor of being named Chief Emeritus on March 21, 2009. In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Vonda Kay Abbott in 1984. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Janice Abbott; a son and daughter-in-law, Greg and Heather Abbott; a grandson, Quinn Davis Abbott, and a granddaughter, Morgan Bailey Abbott, all of Milford; a sister and brother-in-law, Frances and Frank Beebe of Frederica; two nieces, Donna Shoemaker and husband John, and Lynn Reynolds, and a nephew, Craig Beebe and wife Eileen. Friends may call from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 26, 2015 at the Carlisle Fire Company, 615 N.W. Front St, Milford, where a Masonic Service will be held at 7:00 p.m. followed by a Fireman's Service. Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2015 at the Avenue United Methodist Church, 20 N. Church St, Milford, where friends may call after 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow the services in the Milford Community Cemetery on North Walnut Street. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made in Jim's memory to one of the following: Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, Del., 19963; Carlisle Fire Company, P.O. Box 292, Milford, DE, 19963; or to Avenue United Methodist Church, (Food Pantry or Parish Purse), 20 N. Church St, Milford, Del., 19963. Online condolences may be left at www.rogersfhmilford.com Arrangements handled by Rogers Funeral Home, Milford.