Obituary of James Mills

James P. Mills, 74, of Idabel, OK, passed away April 10, 2014 at his home. He was born November 4, 1939 in Redland, OK to Edward and Verley Mills. From 1961-1963, he worked at Dierks Lumber Company, from 1963 to 1966, he owned and operated Apco grocery and service station east of Idabel. In 1967 he began working at Holmes and Mills Concrete, and in 1971, he became the sole owner and operator of Mills Concrete Construction Company, where he spent 24 years. In 1995, he built several commercial buildings in and around Idabel, and later that year, became Mayor of Idabel, a position he served in for 12 years during which time he helped oversee unprecedented growth in Idabel. He retired in 2007. James was a member of the Bypass Church of Christ. He was a 33rd degree mason and a longtime member of the Idabel Kiwanis Club. He was named Idabel Citizen of the year as well as Citizen of the decade. James was a self made man who loved his community but most of all his family. He was preceded in death by his parents. James leaves behind his wife of 52 years, Mary Crowell Mills of the home; son Jeff Mills of Idabel, OK; daughter and son-in-law, Jamie and Clint Bullock along with their son, Joshua of Talihina, OK; grandson, Blake Mills and wife, Kirbi of Yukon, OK; brothers, Richard Mills of Rockwall, TX and Kenneth Mills of Clarksville, TX; his sister, Joyce Burns of Blanchard, OK; several nieces, nephews, cousins other relatives and many close friends. The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 12, 2014 at the funeral home. Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 13, 2014 at the Bypass Church of Christ in Idabel, OK with Wayne Warren officiating. Interment will follow at Denison Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to the Bypass Church of Christ Children's Ministries, P.O. Box 478, Idabel, OK 74745.