Jimmie Livingston Obituary

Jimmie Dale "Slick" Livingston passed away on July 2, 2025, in his home at the age of 78 years and 10 months. Jim was born on August 14, 1946, in Milan, Missouri to the late Russell Jr. and Helen Livingston. Jim grew up in Milan and resided there all his life, graduating with the Class of 1964. On August 29, 1965, Jim married the love of his life Carol "Benskin" Livingston and in August 2025 they would have celebrated 60 years of marriage.
At the age of 19 Jim began employment with North Central Electric "REC" and continued there until retirement at the age of 55. He took great pride in his work there as a lineman, often telling stories of his crew, the hard work they would do, and also of the fun that they would have. People always said he would get bored with retirement, but he never did, always enjoying what he wanted to do and looking forward to the next project. Jim was always a hard worker and took immense pride in his work or any project he tackled. There were 3 things he often said: 1. "Don't cut corners", 2. "If you want something done, do it yourself", and 3. "Do it right the 1st time".
Jim enjoyed hunting, fishing, making projects, taking care of his yard with Carol, spending time with his family, and keeping up with his grandkids. He also enjoyed going to the coffee shop every morning to see his friends and share the latest news and spending time with his special canine buddy – Buck. Carol often stated Buck came in at number 1 and she came in at number 2. Jim played an active role in the lives of his grandkids who he was always so proud of. He passed his love of hunting and fishing to them, spending many hours with them doing both and teaching them many lessons along the way.
Jim is survived by his wife Carol of the home; his children, Troy Alan Livingston of Milford, Kansas and Tammy Renee Taylor (and her husband, Jeff) of Milan Missouri; 3 grandchildren, Savannah Rose Kuhns (and her husband Avery) of Illinois, Jake Dalton Taylor of Milan, Missouri, and Elizabeth Helen Livingston of Virginia; two great grandchildren expected in August and November; his sister, Julia Houston of Iowa; and several nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his parents Russell and Helen Livingston and 2 brothers-in-law, Jerry Benskin and Marion Houston.
A funeral service for Jim will be held at 11:00 AM, on Saturday, July 5, 2025, at Ruschmeier-Smith Funeral Home in Milan, Missouri. Burial will follow at the May Cemetery, Chula, Missouri. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service beginning at 10:00 AM
Salvation is a gift of God and Jim fully acknowledged that. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Wilhite Cemetery of Milan.