James Lawrence Mills, age 63, passed away unexpectedly on January 27, 2026. He was born on May 17, 1962, in Port Clinton, Ohio, to James and Betty (Kramer) Mills.
Jim was a graduate of Port Clinton High School and The Ohio State University, where he met his college sweetheart and the love of his life, Carol Yund. They were married on September 20, 1986, and shared nearly forty years of marriage rooted in faith, laughter, loyalty, and deep friendship. This year would have marked their 40th anniversary – a milestone that reflects a lifetime-built side by side, bound by their promise of “always and forever.”
Jim spent his entire career in the building sales industry, including the last ten years with Boise Cascade. He was known for his strong work ethic, integrity, and genuine care for the people he worked with. Over the years, many of his customers and colleagues became trusted friends, a reflection of the respect and loyalty he earned throughout his career.
A man of deep faith, Jim was an active and devoted member of Wooster First Church of God, where he served wherever he was needed: youth group, children’s ministry, trustee, and countless behind-the-scenes roles. He never sought recognition—he simply showed up.
Jim found true peace in the outdoors. Hunting was more than a hobby; it was a time when he felt especially close to God and deeply connected to nature. He loved sharing that passion with others, patiently guiding his son, nephews, cousins, friends, and his son-in-law—building camaraderie and creating memories that will live on far beyond the woods.
Jim will be remembered for his quick wit, warm humor, and deeply selfless nature. He was always the first to help, generous with his time, energy, and resources. Incredibly handy, Jim could fix just about anything—often at the expense of a scraped knuckle or minor injury, a familiar side effect of his enthusiasm and occasional clumsiness.
His greatest pride and joy were his children, Jennifer (Joe) Conley and James Mills. He was endlessly proud of them, attending every event he could—coaching James’s teams and faithfully (if sometimes reluctantly) attending Jennifer’s many cheer competitions.
Becoming a grandfather—known affectionately as “Gpa” or “PeePaw”—to his granddaughters, Piper and Payton, brought Jim a joy he never knew was possible. Whether through small treats or the way his face lit up when he saw them, he made sure they always knew how cherished they were.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents; siblings: Mary Poupard, Linda Herrera, and Michael Mills; and his in-laws, Ed and Shirley Yund.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Carol Mills; son, James (Kayla Grabowski) Mills of Wooster; daughter, Jennifer (Joe) Conley of Wadsworth; granddaughters, Piper and Payton Conley; sister. Jane Stark of Richmond, TX; and many cherished nieces and nephews.
Selfless to the very end, Jim chose to donate his organs, giving the gift of life to others—a final act that perfectly reflects the generous, giving man he was every day of his life.
Memorial contributions may be made to: Wooster First Church of God Youth Ministry, 1953 Akron Rd., Wooster, Ohio 44691.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 4:00 PM on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at the Wooster First Church of God, 1953 Akron Rd, Wooster, OH 44691, with Pastor Arnie Kaufman officiating. The family will receive friends and loved ones prior to the service beginning at 1:00 PM.
McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster is assisting the family.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com.
Carol, James, Jennifer, Joe and girls, prayers of comfort for all of you. Jim was one of the greatest men I ever met and a guiding influence in my life of faith. We never know why but I know Jim is at Jesus’s side in the highest level of heaven. My deepest condolences.
My heart aches for all of you. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jane Carmichael
My condolences, Carol.
Sending you love energy,
Steve Power
Carol and family, I’m shocked and deeply saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. He was genuinely a great man, husband and father and grandfather. You and Jim made a great life together and I admired the relationship you had. I know the transition to life will be hard so be patient with yourselves as you go on. I pray God sends you peace and comfort knowing you’ll see him again🥰
Sending all of you my deepest sympathy. Jim was loved by everyone. I a lot of fond memories from when we were kids. Hugs and Love to all of you. Praying for all of you for comfort during all of this.
I was shocked when I heard of this. He was such a good man and taken so young. He did a lot of great things for with his kids, his grandchildren. He will always be remembered. Chris Whitemyer
Carol and family have my deepest sympathy. Having lost a son-in-law suddenly last year at this same young age makes me suffer with the pain and sorrow you are feeling. He was a wonderful human and I guess we have to believe God needed him. My heart breaks for you
Carol and family, my deepest condolences to you all at your time of loss. May your memories be a comfort to you. Peace & blessings to you.
Sara Barstow
So sorry to see of Jims passing.Our prays go out to you and your family Carol. We had many good hunts together and always had fun.Jim will be missed. Patrick Markley
Carol and family,
Jim and I are remembering your beautiful family with our heartfelt prayers and sympathy! Jim will be deeply missed in our community !
Such a great guy .
🙏💙🙏
Carol and family,
Jim and I are remembering your beautiful family with our heartfelt prayers and sympathy! Jim will be deeply missed in our community !
Such a great guy .
🙏💙🙏
Carol and family,
Jim and I are remembering your beautiful family with our heartfelt prayers and sympathy! Jim will be deeply missed in our community !
Such a great guy .
🙏💙🙏
I was saddened to hear about Jim’s passing.
Jim was a good friend to the Graves Lumber family and me. Jim always made it a point to say hi. Carol and family there are not enough words to say. God Bless each and every one of you.
Carol & Family,
I am so sad to hear of Jim’s passing. He was such a blessing, not only to the church, but every life he touched. He will be missed by everyone. Holding you all close in my heart & lifting you in prayer. I am here if you need anything.
Carol and family
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all
Carol, I remember meeting Jim when you and I had a class together at OSU. You two were magic together. I hope the wonderful circle of family and friends surrounding you brings comfort now. Sending our love and prayers.
Carol,Jennifer,and James,
I am so saddened by Jim’s passing. From meeting him our freshmen year of college, to being in his and Carol’s wedding, Jim was the best. Sending prayers, and love to all of you.💕
Carol and family, my heart breaks for you. I am praying for strength, guidance and peace as you navigate the loss of Jim.
I was saddened and shocked to hear of Jim’s passing. He was definitely a rock for the First Church of God. My sincere condolences go out to Carol and the kids.
Lord take Jim into your presence and wash over him with your love. Help those he left behind find comfort and understanding from this difficult to understand circumstance. We know your devine providence is better than our own understanding and will. Amen.
🕊️🕊️. Carol & family: seeing this just breaks my heart. Heaven is getting another angel way too soon. Know that you have many friends to help you through this time of grief .💔🙏🏻✝️
Carol and family, Words can’t express my sorrow. What a class individual Jim was and is. His legacy will live on. My condolences to everyone of you. If you ever need anything, I will be available.
Hoke
We love you all so much. He certainly was one of the best!
Carol – So sad to hear of your unexpected loss. May peace find you and keep you afloat amid the waves of grief.
I’m so sorry for the loss of your husband of many years.
I pray that God will wrap you in
his loving arms and give you comfort.
Dear Jane,
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of your brother. Please know that you and your entire family are in our thoughts and prayers. I pray that all your special memories bring you comfort and peace in the days ahead.
Much love,
The Jefferson family
Randal, Elizabeth, William and Teddy
Thinking of you all. Sending prayers of comfort and healing.
My heart goes out to the family and all who knew him. He’s with Jesus for sure as I remember how deep he was in his faith and when we had VBS with the children he would teach them and us working a good message. Prayers for peace and comfort.
Carol, once again we are sending our sincere condolences.
Prayers,
Mark & Candy Watts
Carol and family, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. He sure loved the Lord and it showed by the life that he lived and how dedicated he was at the church during God’s work. All of you are in our prayers and asking God to give you the peace and comfort that only he can give at this most difficult time.
I had the privilege of working with Jim for approximately seven years at Boise Cascade. Though the time may have been short Jim left a very positive impression upon me. Jim was held in the highest regards by his fellow employees and customers. We all will miss Jim but, take comfort in knowing that he is at peace with our Lord and Savior in heaven.
To Carol and family,
I am deeply sorry to hear about Jim’s passing. Wishing you peace and comfort in the days ahead.
Tom Kirk
For more than 30 years, Jim served Mentor Lumber & Supply as one of the very best vendor representatives we could have asked for. He consistently stood out for his caring, honesty, and considerate manner. He will be deeply missed by the entire Mentor Lumber organization.
We are sorry for your loss Carol and family,
Carol and family you have our deepest sympathy. So sorry for your loss. Jim was one of the kindest person you could ever know. Our prayers are that God would give you his peace.
Please accept our heartfelt and deepest sympathies for Jim’s sister Jane, and all of her and your family. Although we did not know Jim personally, what we know about him through Jane and reading many posts, is that he was truly a remarkable human being. We know he will be truly missed. And we know memories of him are forever treasured by family and friends.
Carol and Family – Please accept my condolences on your loss. You are such a wonderful family and this is such a hard time. Peace and prayers to all of you!
Carol , and Family, I am so very sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you at this difficult time 🙏🏻🙏🏻
To the Mills Family
One of the great ones…always willing to talk and share and always uplifting…..my heart is saddened by this and I give my deepest condolences to everyone.
Carol and kids- I reside in Florida much of the year, but still read the Daily Record daily. Wow was I shocked to learn of Jims passing. I am so sorry and hope you are all finding some comfort knowing he is in a much better place. He will be sorely missed.
Carol, Jen, and family—
I know words cannot ease the heartache you are experiencing, but I am so deeply sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers, and I am praying for peace, comfort, and strength during this difficult time ❤️
There are no words that can truly ease the weight of losing someone so deeply loved.
Jim wasn’t just a father, husband, uncle, brother and grandpa—he was a steady presence, a source of love, wisdom, and strength for so many.
Please know you are not alone in your grief. We are holding you close in our hearts, praying for peace in the moments that feel unbearable and comfort in the memories that will forever remain.
May you feel God’s nearness as He carries you through this season, and may the legacy of Jim’s love live on through each of you.
We love you, and we’re here—today, tomorrow, and in all the days ahead.
Jim and I began our careers at Boise Cascade on the same day in 2016.
He was such a good person and good friend to all of us at Boise.
He mentored our younger associates to help them further their careers and he was highly respected and appreciated by his customers.
We miss him very much and our prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Carol and Family:
It is with great shock and sadness to learn of your family’s loss of Jim. Those who had the good fortune to be in his life, volunteer on shared projects and had the opportunity to get to know him, recognize how warm and special he was. We send you prayers, comfort and strength during this very difficult time. Your beautiful family will always be his and your legacy of love. God Bless.