Obituary of James Arnold Mills

Mills, James Arnold

Thomas Township, Michigan

Our loving husband, father and grandfather passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, February 24, 2022.  He was 75 years old. James Arnold Mills was born in Petoskey, Michigan on October 10, 1946 to the late Arnold and Clintena (Shilson) Mills.  Jim graduated from Arthur Hill Tech High School. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War as a crew chief of a C130 Transport Planes, also known affectionately by some as “Herky Birds”. Following Jim’s honorable discharge he married, Janice Frisch on October 09, 1971 in Saginaw; she survives him. He was employed by General Motors as a millwright and welder until retiring in 2005 after over 30 years of service. One of his favorite memories was being the 1^st winner of the Soap Box Derby after WWII. Jim was a member of the Past Winners of the Saginaw Soap Box Derby, helping new races build their derby cars. He was a past member of the Saginaw Jaycees and proud to be a part of events that promoted positive change in the community.  Jim was a car fanatic. He loved to work on, and talk about cars with anyone who shared the same interest. Because of his enthusiasm for cars he was an active member of the Route 66 Classic Cruisers. Jim was a very skilled tradesman, building his home and also several more homes with his father. In his spare time, Jim enjoyed time outdoors hunting.

Left to cherish Jim’s memory besides his wife, Janice is his daughter, Stephanie Mills; his grandson, Jayce Patrick Mills; four siblings: Linda Mills of West Palm Beach, FL., Clint (Vickie) Mills of Saginaw, MI., Sandra (David) Gerkin of AuGres, MI., and Tim (Wendy) Mills of Sand Lake, MI; his special cousin, Duane Getzmeyer; special nephew, John Combs III; and four brothers-in-law: Robert Frisch, Richard Frisch, Frederick Frisch, and Jon (Maureen) Frisch.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Patrick James Mills; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Paul and Louise Frisch; and a special nephew, Jason F. Frisch.

SERVICE: A funeral service to honor James will take place at 3:00 p.m. Thursday, March 3, 2022 at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State), Saginaw, MI 48603. Rev. Fr. William Rutkowski will officiate.  Military Honors will be conducted at the funeral home under the auspices of the United States Air Force and American Legion Post #22.

VISITATION: Family and friends are welcome to visit at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State) on Thursday, March 3, 2022 from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m.        

MEMORIALS:  In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Amazing Grace Animal Rescue or to Jim’s family in care of his wife, Jan Mills.  Please share your thoughts and memories at the funeral home or through www.DeislerFuneralHome.com