James "Jimmy" Monaghan Mills
Sunday 9th of March 1952 - Tuesday 7th of March 2023
Services
Visitation
Funeral Service
Clergy Elizabeth Gish
James “Jimmy” Monaghan Mills, beloved
son of Arnold (deceased 1996) and Rose Mary (deceased 2006) Mills (Reed,
Kentucky), husband, brother, father, distinguished academic, and raconteur
passed away at his home on March 7, 2023 in Lexington, Kentucky.
He is survived by his wife Becky (Elder)
Mills; son, Scott Mills; daughter, Emma Mills; grandchildren, Gabriel, Eleanor,
and Mason; sisters, Jean (Mills) Carrico, Jan (Mills) Gish, Patty (Mills)
Reynolds, Erin Mills; brothers, David Mills and Donnie Mills, and many other
dear friends and family who love him. He
was preceded in death by sisters, Connie Mills and Carol (Mills) Raley.
Jimmy served in the US Air Force for
four years at Chicksands Air Force Base in the United Kingdom, then went on to
earn both a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in psychology at Western Kentucky
University. He spent much of his career at Transylvania University, retiring
from his position as registrar in 2012. Though he lived in the Lexington area
for the last 40 years, his heart remained in Reed, Kentucky, where his remains
will be interred. Jimmy loved to spend time with his family, cheer on the
Wildcats, play trivia, and discuss the state of the world with anyone willing
to undertake a thoughtful debate.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Jimmy's memory can be made to St Augustine Catholic Church, 16777 KY-811, Reed, KY 42451.
To share a remembrance of
Jimmy or to offer condolences to his family, please visit milwardfuneral.com.
Video
Guest Book
Amy Rutenberg (Choate)
saysBecky and family, I am so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. He was the registrar at Transy when I was there as well as one of Dave’s beloved colleagues. I have fond memories of you and Jim living near us downtown as well when we were on Third Street. Jim was always so helpful and kind and and whenever I needed a transcript for an application I knew I could just go across the street and make a request and it was done quickly. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Mike Pepper
saysHeartfelt condolences, Becky, and to your family. When J came to Transy in 1989 Jim was quick to befriend me. He provided great insight as I learned the culture and procedures on campus. Honest and a man of integrity, Jim was a straight shooter and someone in whom I had great respect and confidence. He always had time for substantive conversations. He was greatly missed flowing his retirement and will remain among my fondest memories at Transy.
TAD PEDLEY
saysJim you will be missed. I graduated Transy in the mid 80’s and he was a fixture in the Registrar’s office. No trip to Transy was complete unless I poked my head into his office and we would spend time catching up. Rest in peace.
Elizabeth Norment Bartlett
saysOh Becky, I am so sorry for your loss. I have such warm memories of Mr. Mills, and I am so grateful for his kindness to me during my time at Transy. He always knew exactly what to say when I visited his office with an academic concern. He was such a calming presence and always offered the very best advice. Please know you will be in my prayers. Sending you so much love.
Greg Shenton
saysDear Emma and the entire Mills family, my heart is with you today. Your Dad was a significant part of why my college experience and the college experience of a lot of our classmates was so special. He was always kind and warm and offering a smile, which so many students navigating the transition from teenager to adult need. He remains a true light, and I'll be thinking of you today. Greg
Linda Mills Ballard
saysDang Jimmy, you had to go and leave us. You know that you were loved by so many. I was thinking of our trip to the Carribean with you and Becky on Sherry and Lee's boat. What a trip we had. You always made people feel welcomed. You were such an intelligent, loving, caring person. I hope you know that you left a big hole in our hearts and you will be missed. I was lucky enough to be kin to you. Enjoy this journey you are on now. Love you, Cuz. Linda and Wayne Ballard