Jack Mills

Mills, Jack Lee Sr. Delton, MI (and Bradenton, FL) Mills, Jack Lee Sr, 84, of Delton, Michigan (and Bradenton, Florida) passed away unexpectedly from complications of Covid, at home overlooking a cherished and scenic lake, on Saturday, November 28, 2020. He was born in his Grandmother's home in Kalamazoo, Michigan on August 25, 1936, the eldest child of Raymond and Edith Mills (Madgyesi). He grew up in Kalamazoo and graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School in 1955. He served in the United States Navy for two years before being honorably discharged with an early option to attend Ferris State College. He and Sally Mills (Mertz) were united in marriage in 1958, and together raised four children. Sally preceded him in death in 1995. Jack married his loving wife, Judith JoAnne (MacGillivray) in 2000, who survives. Also surviving are his four children, Linda Mills-Kuiper (Bob), Shelly Mills-Heuser, Jack Mills Jr. (Jennifer) and Patricia Mills-Adams, eight grandchildren (Bobbie, Sally, Benjamin, Jonathan, Laura, Jillian, Ty and Isabella), two great-grandchildren (Adrian and Elle). Also surviving is his dear sister Rayleen Knack as well as many cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandson Logan in 2010 and nephew Randall in 2011. In addition, he also had the privilege and joy of welcoming his wife's daughters (Kari, Katie, Jennifer, Jessica) and five grandchildren (Matthew, Ella, Grace, Jack and Cameron) into his life. Jack spent his professional career working for North Central Airlines (Republic, Northwest, Delta) and ultimately retiring in 1993. He was also part owner and Vice President of Kuiper Brothers Self-Storage, Inc. Jack was a family man first and foremost. In addition, he was a generous man, giving of his time, talents, and resources. In 1976 he moved his family into a treasured home, which he built, on Guernsey Lake in Delton, MI. He was the host of many, many family reunions, events, a wedding, and a private family/friends "campground". Four generations of his family participated in summers at the lake! For the past 25 years he has spent the winter months in Bradenton, FL in his beloved community River Isle. An in-person memorial service will be delayed until spring/summer 2021. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in his name to Wounded Warriors, or a charity of your choice. The family invites you to share memories with them at: www.goresfuneralservice.com