James “Jim” Owen Mills
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James “Jim” Owen Mills of Queen Creek, Arizona, passed away on February 12, 2020 at the age of 65.
Jim was born in Brewton, Alabama, the only child of Leo and Anne Mills. He graduated from T.R. Miller High School, played football for Jacksonville State, graduated from the University of Montevallo, and received his Master’s in Education from the Florida Institute of Technology.
Jim was a lifelong educator and found his calling teaching middle school students – it’s never boring in the middle, as he would often say. Known as Coach Mills to many, he coached middle school football and basketball and was willing to do almost anything – from kissing pigs to shaving his head – in order to motivate his athletes. Jim had fond memories of all the schools where he taught – Oslo Middle in Vero Beach, FL, as well as Smokey Road Middle and Coweta Central Education Center, both in Newnan, GA – but none more than Sebastian River Middle (Junior) High School in Sebastian, FL, where many of his fellow teachers were also lifelong friends. Jim also had a series of colorful side jobs including golf caddie, seafood transporter, landscaper, and donut maker. Jim had recently moved to Arizona for retirement, but still served as a substitute teacher several days a week.
Jim was a doting father and loving husband, with a big heart and easy laugh. He loved classic rock, 1970s comedians, reading four to five books at the same time, coming up with new ways and things to smoke and grill, and college football – Roll Tide, Roll.
Jim is survived by his wife, Judy Mills of Queen Creek, Arizona, and daughter Julie Mills and son-in-law Daniel Moger III of Hong Kong.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Jim’s name to Positive Coaching Alliance – Arizona Chapter. Jim also loved to reminisce, and in that vein, we invite you to share your favorite Coach Mills or Big Jim memory.
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Judy B says: I will never forget the morning I saw Jim taking his morning walk carrying a golf club. He started his walk way before the sun came up and coyotes and bobcats had been spotted in the community so the golf club was his protection He always had a big smile and friendly hello
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Aimee Cooper says:
I will never forget when we (finally) beat the Vero Raiders and Coach let us shave his head in celebration! Many amazing memories from his classroom as well. Always a great teacher and just all around awesome guy. Was very happy to reconnect on FB and share those happy times. He will be sorely missed. Love and light to his family.
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Sexy rexy says:
My first nick name that has held with me my whole life sexy rexy was bestowed on me by the greatest man i have ever known he was a big brother a father figure a uncle all in one. I would never have been half the man i am today…. With out the guidance he gave me.!!!! My heart and love goes out to the family. I am so glad we all caught up with each other and coach loved my jerky and catching up on old times god bless
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Shawn Lantz says:
So heart breaking to hear of Coach Mills passing. He was truly one of a kind. So many memories of him from SRMJHS. He was a coach, teacher, hall monitor, lunch monitor, bus driver, counselor, comedian, jokester, referee, mentor and friend but most of all he was always kind and cared about every one of us. He had such an impact on so many in our early teen years. He was strict when necessary, fair to all and always had a big smile, even when he was trying to be authoritative. One time during lunch a group of us girls were ogling over a poster advertising an upcoming performance of a cute rock band. He probably told us a 100 times to go sit down with the last warning of a detention or silent lunch. As we slowly walked back to our seats he yells “Hey!” Turning around thinking we were in big trouble he says “They are kinda cute aren’t they??” with that big “gotcha!” smile. He will be truly missed by many but remembered by all that were lucky enough to ever get to spend a moment with him. Fly high Coach Mills and Roooollllllll Tide!!
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Jason Hunsicker says:
Best coach ever and a great teacher
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Jennie Runyon-Clifton says:
I fondly referred to him as Munchy Mills. I no longer remember why. In 9th grade art class, I made a terrible piece of pottery. It was a jar (kinda crooked and not exactly round) with a lid. I put M M on the front and filled it with m&ms and gave it to Mr. Mills on the last day of school as an appreciation gift. He taught me to love history and made it fun. He will be missed.
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David patti says:
R.I.P. MY OLD FREIND
YOU WERE THE BEST -
Tanya Tory says:
I have always cherish Millsie Baby because of his smile and genuine spirit he displayed and showed All of the students. I have always thought of him during tax time because he made sure we all understood and knew how to prepare the EZ 1040 form and then he showed us a movie of a young lady addicted to Herione and that kept me away from drugs up to this day .
Later in life we worked together at Oslo Middle and he would walk with me and my student everyday to the bus loop . Loved you then Coach and I will always love you for being you. I will forever remember you and hold fondly to the memories . Rest In Peace and Fly High because you deserve it. -
Bubba Coleman says:
He was a great person and an amazing mentor to a lot of us I will never forget all the good times we had on the football field together
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Kim Granere says:
Coach Mills is one of my best memories at SRMS, he was strong, always funny and loving. Heath Monument Company would be honored to donate a plaque to SRMS in his honor. ❤️
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The Ewert Family says:
Judy and Julie- You are in our thoughts and prayers
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Deb and Pat Aritz says:
Oh how we will miss our good friend and neighbor, Big Jim! He was a larger than life, one of a kind sweetheart who charmed us all with his warm manner and southern wit. We were truly blessed to have known this gentle giant.
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Alejandro says:
He was my teacher this year he was my favorite my prayers are with him and his family
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Angie Gilbert says:
Thank you Coach for teaching us what it means to have true character and integrity, to be a loyal and empathetic friend, for always listening and always being there for us.
Thank you for being proud of us and cheering us on. Your support and interest in our lives has meant so much.
My sincerest sympathies and love to your family.
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Jonea says:
Can’t remember Georgia History without Him Mills! Such a character in his own right! Remember him at “Da Road” we all refer to it past n present! Rest well dear solider, for you have made your mark! It is now time to take your wings and rest! God had gained a blessing, and we know that he doesn’t make mistakes! He has a plan for you Jim, do it just well and even not better then the one you did here on earth! You will be missed! “What a wonderful day to be a wildcat!” Smokey Out!
Love and the highest respect,
T. Jones
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Savannah says:
Mr.mills was a teacher at my school for 4½ months. He and I became very close and he was my favorite. When he was told he had to retire due to health reasons I was crushed. And then today I found out that he had passed away and all I could do was cry. Rest in peace you will be dearly missed and forever loved.
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Angela Butler says:
Mr. Jim was a wonderful man that we only got to know for a short time. He became a substitute at our school and the kids loved him. They were excited when he was their sub. I never had to worry about my kids when he was my substitute. When he told me that he had taught middle school, I knew he could survive anything.
I know I speak for everyone at CTA when I say that we wish you our sincerest sympathies to your family. He will be missed. -
Ella Rudisill says:
Mr. Mills was my history teacher during my 8th grade year. I am in 10th grade now, and even now his teaching leaves a great impact on how I see world history and school as a whole. Mr. Mills was truly a wonderful teacher, and it deeply saddens me to learn he passed away. He was an amazing teacher and a even better person. I greatly miss him, and I will always miss him. He will forever remain a wonderful part of my life, and I’m glad to have even had the chance to have him as my teacher. Rest in peace Mr. Mills, thank you for everything.
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Morris Family says:
Greatest memories of middle school was of Coach Mills. Reconnected with him via social media about a year ago where I shared a letter he left me when going to the high school. His laugh and funny wit is only surpassed by his tremendous love for his kids and the dedication to education. A true mentor to so many. Prayers for the family.
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Jacqueline MacWilliam says:
Always a team player. We worked together at Oslo Middle School. Always smiling…..we were kindred spirits….lots of good memories….
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Becky says:
I am Becky Olds. Jim’s first wife. He was a good man and a great coach. I’m sorry to hear of his passing.
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Michael Byrnes says:
9/9/2021 I just heard the news, he’s been gone for more than a year. My thoughts and prayers go out to his friends and family. I’ve thought of my brother “JimBob” often. l was one of his many hobbies, I’ve always cherished the time we spent together, me yelling at him to flip the donuts quicker or reel in that fishing line faster. We never had a bad moment together, it was nothing short of a good time every time. MillsZ will forever be remembered as Great Husband, Father and to so many A Great Friend 🙏🏻🙏🏻 Rest In Peace ❤️ Your Brother ByrnesZ
Judy B 
Aimee Cooper 
Sexy rexy 
Shawn Lantz 
Jason Hunsicker 
Jennie Runyon-Clifton 
David patti 
Tanya Tory 
Bubba Coleman 
Kim Granere 
The Ewert Family 
Deb and Pat Aritz 
Alejandro 
Angie Gilbert 
Jonea 
Savannah 
Angela Butler 
Ella Rudisill 
Morris Family 
Jacqueline MacWilliam 
Becky 
Michael Byrnes
I will never forget the morning I saw Jim taking his morning walk carrying a golf club. He started his walk way before the sun came up and coyotes and bobcats had been spotted in the community so the golf club was his protection He always had a big smile and friendly hello
I will never forget when we (finally) beat the Vero Raiders and Coach let us shave his head in celebration! Many amazing memories from his classroom as well. Always a great teacher and just all around awesome guy. Was very happy to reconnect on FB and share those happy times. He will be sorely missed. Love and light to his family.
My first nick name that has held with me my whole life sexy rexy was bestowed on me by the greatest man i have ever known he was a big brother a father figure a uncle all in one. I would never have been half the man i am today…. With out the guidance he gave me.!!!! My heart and love goes out to the family. I am so glad we all caught up with each other and coach loved my jerky and catching up on old times god bless
So heart breaking to hear of Coach Mills passing. He was truly one of a kind. So many memories of him from SRMJHS. He was a coach, teacher, hall monitor, lunch monitor, bus driver, counselor, comedian, jokester, referee, mentor and friend but most of all he was always kind and cared about every one of us. He had such an impact on so many in our early teen years. He was strict when necessary, fair to all and always had a big smile, even when he was trying to be authoritative. One time during lunch a group of us girls were ogling over a poster advertising an upcoming performance of a cute rock band. He probably told us a 100 times to go sit down with the last warning of a detention or silent lunch. As we slowly walked back to our seats he yells “Hey!” Turning around thinking we were in big trouble he says “They are kinda cute aren’t they??” with that big “gotcha!” smile. He will be truly missed by many but remembered by all that were lucky enough to ever get to spend a moment with him. Fly high Coach Mills and Roooollllllll Tide!!
Best coach ever and a great teacher
I fondly referred to him as Munchy Mills. I no longer remember why. In 9th grade art class, I made a terrible piece of pottery. It was a jar (kinda crooked and not exactly round) with a lid. I put M M on the front and filled it with m&ms and gave it to Mr. Mills on the last day of school as an appreciation gift. He taught me to love history and made it fun. He will be missed.
R.I.P. MY OLD FREIND
YOU WERE THE BEST
I have always cherish Millsie Baby because of his smile and genuine spirit he displayed and showed All of the students. I have always thought of him during tax time because he made sure we all understood and knew how to prepare the EZ 1040 form and then he showed us a movie of a young lady addicted to Herione and that kept me away from drugs up to this day .
Later in life we worked together at Oslo Middle and he would walk with me and my student everyday to the bus loop . Loved you then Coach and I will always love you for being you. I will forever remember you and hold fondly to the memories . Rest In Peace and Fly High because you deserve it.
He was a great person and an amazing mentor to a lot of us I will never forget all the good times we had on the football field together
Coach Mills is one of my best memories at SRMS, he was strong, always funny and loving. Heath Monument Company would be honored to donate a plaque to SRMS in his honor. ❤️
Judy and Julie- You are in our thoughts and prayers
Oh how we will miss our good friend and neighbor, Big Jim! He was a larger than life, one of a kind sweetheart who charmed us all with his warm manner and southern wit. We were truly blessed to have known this gentle giant.
He was my teacher this year he was my favorite my prayers are with him and his family
Thank you Coach for teaching us what it means to have true character and integrity, to be a loyal and empathetic friend, for always listening and always being there for us.
Thank you for being proud of us and cheering us on. Your support and interest in our lives has meant so much.
My sincerest sympathies and love to your family.
Can’t remember Georgia History without Him Mills! Such a character in his own right! Remember him at “Da Road” we all refer to it past n present! Rest well dear solider, for you have made your mark! It is now time to take your wings and rest! God had gained a blessing, and we know that he doesn’t make mistakes! He has a plan for you Jim, do it just well and even not better then the one you did here on earth! You will be missed! “What a wonderful day to be a wildcat!” Smokey Out!
Love and the highest respect,
T. Jones
Mr.mills was a teacher at my school for 4½ months. He and I became very close and he was my favorite. When he was told he had to retire due to health reasons I was crushed. And then today I found out that he had passed away and all I could do was cry. Rest in peace you will be dearly missed and forever loved.
Mr. Jim was a wonderful man that we only got to know for a short time. He became a substitute at our school and the kids loved him. They were excited when he was their sub. I never had to worry about my kids when he was my substitute. When he told me that he had taught middle school, I knew he could survive anything.
I know I speak for everyone at CTA when I say that we wish you our sincerest sympathies to your family. He will be missed.
Mr. Mills was my history teacher during my 8th grade year. I am in 10th grade now, and even now his teaching leaves a great impact on how I see world history and school as a whole. Mr. Mills was truly a wonderful teacher, and it deeply saddens me to learn he passed away. He was an amazing teacher and a even better person. I greatly miss him, and I will always miss him. He will forever remain a wonderful part of my life, and I’m glad to have even had the chance to have him as my teacher. Rest in peace Mr. Mills, thank you for everything.
Greatest memories of middle school was of Coach Mills. Reconnected with him via social media about a year ago where I shared a letter he left me when going to the high school. His laugh and funny wit is only surpassed by his tremendous love for his kids and the dedication to education. A true mentor to so many. Prayers for the family.
Always a team player. We worked together at Oslo Middle School. Always smiling…..we were kindred spirits….lots of good memories….
I am Becky Olds. Jim’s first wife. He was a good man and a great coach. I’m sorry to hear of his passing.
9/9/2021 I just heard the news, he’s been gone for more than a year. My thoughts and prayers go out to his friends and family. I’ve thought of my brother “JimBob” often. l was one of his many hobbies, I’ve always cherished the time we spent together, me yelling at him to flip the donuts quicker or reel in that fishing line faster. We never had a bad moment together, it was nothing short of a good time every time. MillsZ will forever be remembered as Great Husband, Father and to so many A Great Friend 🙏🏻🙏🏻 Rest In Peace ❤️ Your Brother ByrnesZ