John Mills Jr.

John Charles Mills, Jr. was entered into eternal reward on October 19, 2025, surrounded by his immediate family, singing songs of praise as he was welcomed into God's arms. He was 75 years old. Born in Detroit on January 6, 1950, John was the son of John Charles Mills Sr. and Elizabeth (Rau) Yacenik. He was the eldest of three brothers and two sisters who looked up to him: Michael (Barbara) Mills, Charles (Gerda) Mills, Steve (Teri) Mills, Cathy (Todd) Smith, and Carolyn (Rich) Rayburn. In his elementary years, John attended Hall of Divine Child where he learned to play the trombone. He had a love for water sports, becoming a proficient water skier at an early age. He joined the Marine Corps at 17 as a helicopter crew chief and served in the Vietnam War from 1968 to 1971, where he met his best friend, Steve MacKay. After coming home from the war, he found his passion for the outdoors, becoming an avid fisherman and hunter. He showed his physical prowess by completing a full marathon in a little over three and a half hours. He continued his love of the outdoors later in life through camping and traveling. He made many friends along the way, eventually settling his camper at Fort Trodd in Port Huron for over 30 years. John received his pilots' license at the age of 18. After the war, he flew his wife and family members on short trips where he pursued his love for aviation. He attended Wayne State University to become a CPA, graduating top of his class. He worked at Arthur Anderson, Ernst + Young, Consumers Power, and ANR Pipeline where he rose through the ranks. Later he would use his financial talents to serve as treasurer of his church. He met the love of his life, Kathleen at her parent's family restaurant. They were introduced by a family member while he was on leave from the Marine Corps. Their love blossomed and he proposed to her in a boat on a moonlit night on Evans Lake. They married in 1971 and started their life in East Detroit. A short time later, they built their dream home in the Irish Hills, Michigan, where they started their beautiful family. He was the father of three children: Jennifer, Nathan (Jeanette) and Jeremy (Kara) and six grandchildren: Matthew, Meghan, Lucas, Isaac, Levi and Barrett. Following in his father's footsteps, who was a pastor, John faithfully served the Lord. He went on a mission trip to Africa in the 1980s where his eyes were opened to the needs of the poor. He would make it his calling to help those in need both in his community and abroad. He was a faithful supporter of numerous organizations to help guide people to the Lord. John was an avid reader of Christian works and defender of the faith. He would make many dear friends through years of attending St. Clair Shores Assembly of God, Lakeside Assembly of God and Hope Baptist Community Church. John was known for his unwavering work ethic and attention to detail. He lived by the code of "if you're going to do something, do it right", which he instilled into his children. "See you here, there or in the air" - John C. Mills Family and friends are invited to celebrate John's life on Friday, October 24, 2025, from 3 - 8 p.m. at William Sullivan & Son Funeral Home, 8459 Hall Road, Utica, MI 48317. John will be laid in-state at Hope Community Baptist Church (42259 Hayes Rd. Sterling Heights) on Saturday October 25th at 10 am until service time of 11 am. Committal will take place on Monday, October 27 at Great Lakes National Cemetery, 4200 Belford Road, Holly, Michigan 48442. The family has requested all donations be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network https://pancan.org and Honoring the Sacrifice https://honoringthesacrifice.com

John Mills Jr.

January 6, 1950 - October 19, 2025