James Mills (Lebanon)'s Obituary
James William “Jim” Mills, son of James Kelly and Mabel Caroline Cyrus Mills, was born July 25, 1925, near Ira, in Camden County, Missouri. He departed this life Thursday, September 8, 2011, in his home, near Lebanon, Missouri, at the age of eighty-six years, one month, and twelve days.
On August 18, 1948, he was united in marriage to Opal Mitchell, and to this union one son, Douglas, was born. Opal passed away from cancer when Douglas was four years old.
On July 18, 1959, Jim married Zella Mae Price Tribble, and to this union a daughter, Michelle, was born.
He was also preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Ralph Mills; and three sisters, Mildred Horne, Marilee Riley, and Peggy Smith.
Jim is survived by his loving wife of fifty-two years, Zella, of the home; a son, Douglas James Mills, of Gladstone, Missouri; a daughter, Michelle Mills, of Kansas City, Missouri; a brother, Sam Webster, and his wife, Dixie, of Eldon, Missouri; a sister, Bonnie Ruth Knoch, and her husband, Arban, of Holt, Missouri; several nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
He was born and raised in the Ira community, and attended Merchant School. He then graduated from Lebanon High School in the Class of 1943. He entered the United States Navy on October 19, 1943, and was an Electronics Countermeasure Operator with the Air Crew of Patrol Bombing Squadron VPB-124. He saw lots of action during World War II, and was shot down on patrol over the Pacific in Japan, in 1945. He received various medals and awards including the American Defense Air Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Medal with one battle star, and the Japanese Occupation Medal. He was honorably discharged from the Navy on May 27, 1946.
He returned to Laclede County and became the parts manager at Montgomery Motor Sales for twenty years. During this time, he was also a part time Deputy Sheriff and was an Auxiliary Patrolman for the City of Lebanon for a few years. He received his real estate license under Alexander Real Estate in 1969, and then worked for Compton Realty for one year. In 1971, Jim and Zella became branch managers for Strout Realty and were top listing agents for the Springfield office each year. They left Strout Realty and opened their own real estate office, Mills Realty, in 1987. They continued in their own business for four years before transferring to Douglas Realty, Inc. as Broker-Salespersons. After seven years with Douglas Realty, Inc. they officially retired.
Jim was saved at Zion Church and joined the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. In April of 1947, he became a Deacon in that church. Later, he transferred his membership to the First Baptist Church of Lebanon, where he served as Deacon for thirty-six years. He had also worked in Training Union as Director for two years.
“Red”, as he was sometimes called by his friends, had served on the Lebanon City Council for four years, and was Mayor Pro-Tem for two years. He served on various committees during those years, and was on the Airport Committee when the new 4000 foot runway was completed and the airport was renamed the Floyd Jones Airport. He was a licensed Commercial Sea and Land Pilot for many years, and was a charter member of the Lebanon Civil Air Patrol, serving as the Communications Officer. He was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post # 4107, and a longtime member of the Lebanon Kiwanis Club, where he was the oldest member in number of years. He organized and was the first president and charter member of the Laclede County Genealogical Society. He was a member of the Lebanon Chamber of Commerce and had served on the Hillbilly Days Committee and as chairman of the music committee for a number of years.
In his spare time he enjoyed flying, fishing, traveling, genealogy, playing the harmonica, and collecting coins and Depression glass. His family was always very important to him and he loved his wife and children dearly.
Jim was a loving husband, father, brother, and uncle, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate his life and his accomplishments and will remember him as a devoted family man, a dedicated realtor, a faithful Christian, and a wonderful friend.
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