Col. James Joseph Mills Sr.'s Obituary
Colonel James Joseph Mills US Army (Retired)
Colonel James Joseph Mills, Sr., commonly known as JJ,, of Frostburg MD, passed away on Friday, July 30, 2021, at the age of 83 at the Capital Caring Adler Center, in Aldie, Virginia.
JJ was born on June 21, 1938, to the late James Patrick Mills and the late Ethel Viola (Miller) Mills in Ocean, MD, where he spent the entirety of his childhood. Shortly after graduating from Beall High School in 1956, he married his high school sweetheart Carole Lewis. Colonel Mills was commissioned through OCS in September 1962, and he reported for his first day of active duty at Fort Hood Texas on November 22,1963. He was immediately given the first 3 days off while the world dealt with the death of President Kennedy. He attended flight school to become a helicopter pilot. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics from West Virginia University, and an Associate Degree in Real Estate from CPCC, Charlotte NC. He is also a graduate of the Command and General Staff College and the British Army Staff College.
Colonel Mills held staff and command positions throughout his 32 years of active duty. He served with distinction in Vietnam with the 118th Aviation Company (65-66); Troop B, 3rd Squadron, 17th Cavalry and Troop D, 3rdSquadron, 4th Cavalry (67-68). Among his numerous awards and decorations are the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Legion of Merit, Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster, Bronze Star, Air Medal with Valor Device and 50 Oak Leaf Clusters, Meritorious Service Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Commendation Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Achievement Medal, Vietnamese Service Medal with 7 Campaign Stars, Vietnamese Campaign Medal, Meritorious Unit Citation, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, and the Senior Army Aviator Badge.
JJ is survived by his loving wife, Carole A Mills, son, James J Mills, Jr., spouse (Kelley), daughter, Julie McCormick spouse (Brendan), brother, Jack Mills, sister, Patsy Solter, grandchildren, Brendan McCormick, Jr. (Grace), Meaghan McCormick (Spencer), Chandler Mills, Barbara Mills and great grandchildren, Mariah, Dakota, and Trinity Mills.
He was predeceased by sister Eleanor Coleman, and grandson James Joseph Mills III.
Services will be held on a later date.
In lieu of flowers please send donations in Colonel Mills’ name to the Purple Heart Foundation, Capital Caring Hospice or the Prince William County’s Fire and Rescue.
We’d like to thank the Prince William County’s Fire and Rescue for the many times they assisted JJ throughout his final months. We would also like to thank Capital Caring Hospice and the Adler Center for the compassion and great care they provided.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.loudounfuneralchapel.com
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