James "Jim"

Clarke Mills

James Clarke Mills, son of the late Edna Gibbons Mills and Harrison Alexander Mills was born at Lesterville, Missouri on February 12, 1948.  He departed this life at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri on May 7, 2021 at the age of 73.

He served his country in the United States Army from 1966-1968.

On January 11, 1969, Jim was united in marriage to Geraldine Grogan and to this loving union two children were born; Barry and Penny.  He became a Christian at a young age.  In 1989, Jim was ordained and served many years as a deacon in the Annapolis First Baptist Church.  He currently enjoyed attending the Ellington First Baptist Church.  Jim was a member of the Heartland Highland Cattle Association and the Elk Foundation.

He owned and operated Mills Ready Mix Concrete for 20 years, serving Ellington, Van Buren and the surrounding communities.

After his retirement he loved taking care of his exotic animals, traveling, being a fan of the South Iron boy's basketball team and watching NASCAR.  Jim enjoyed eating at Colton's Steak House & Grill and he loved Rhubarb Cobbler.  His greatest joy was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his son, Barry Mills and one brother, Jack Mills.

Jim is survived by his wife of 52 years, Geri Mills of Annapolis, Missouri, his daughter, Penny McMurry and husband Jason, of Annapolis, Missouri, two grandchildren, Taylor and Champ, two brothers, Sonny Mills and wife Donna of Arnold, Missouri, Alan Mills and wife Karen of Lesterville, Missouri, three sisters, Wilma McElrath and husband Bob of Athens, Georgia, Verla Fitzgerald of Lesterville, Missouri, and Karin Latham of Bismarck, Missouri.  Jim will be deeply missed by his family and many friends who will mourn his passing.

Visitation: Tuesday, May 11, 5 to 8 p.m. at McSpadden Funeral Home; Ellington, Missouri

Funeral Service: Wednesday, May 12, 11 a.m. at McSpadden Funeral Home; Ellington, Missouri

Ministers: Rev. Mitch Bryant & Pastor Jim Mann

Burial: Mills Cemetery; Lesterville, Missouri

Pallbearers: Jason McMurry, Champ McMurry, Jon Fitzgerald, Dr. Fernando Gutierrez, Jeremy Funk, Matthew Smith and Taylor McMurry

Arrangements by McSpadden Funeral Home; Ellington, Missouri

In lieu of flowers: Barry Mills Memorial Scholarship