John W. Mills Jr.

MILLS, John W. Jr.
Age 81, of Horseheads, NY, passed away August 16, 2008, at Founders Pavilion Skilled Nursing Facility in Corning, NY. John was born February 21, 1927 in Lubbock, Texas, the son of Alice Townsend and John W. Mills. He was predeceased by his wife of 49 years, the former Lois E. Pardee of Buffalo, NY. John is survived by his children, John III and his wife Marcia of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Lindsay and his wife Karen of Elmira, NY, and Holly Mills of Frisco, Texas; grandchildren, Jason Mills (currently serving overseas in the US Marine Corps) and Ashleigh Mills of Elmira, NY. Growing up in the midst of the great depression, John graduated from Galveston Ball High School in 1944 and enlisted in the Merchant Marines as a radio operator in the pacific theater, obtaining the rank of warrant officer. Following the end of WW II, he pursued an electrical engineering degree from Texas Tech University, graduating in 1950. Following graduation, he went to work for the Arabian American Oil Company (ARAMCO) and moved to Daharan, Saudi Arabia where he was involved in the design and construction of electrical generation and transmission facilities. It was there that he met his wife Lois and where their son John III, was born. Returning to the states in 1957, he worked for various electrical contractors in Buffalo, and Rochester, NY. During this time he obtained his NYS Professional Engineers License as well as his Master Electricians License from the City of Rochester, NY. In 1978 he purchased the former Cady Electric in Elmira Heights and for the next 12 years until his retirement, owned and operated John Mills Electric, Inc. He was active in the Elmira Heights Rotary Club, serving for one year as president. He was also very active in the Southern Tier Chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), and held the offices of chapter president and governor. He also served for many years on the I.B.E.W. Local 139/NECA Joint Apprenticeship Committee and Joint Trust Funds Committee. A modest, decent, and honorable man, he touched the lives of those around him in ways he could never have foreseen and changed their lives forever. Family and friends are invited to call at the Barber Funeral Home, 413 S. Main St., Horseheads on Monday Aug. 18, 2008, from 5-7:00 p.m. His Funeral Service will take place at the funeral home on Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2008, at 2:00 p.m. with interment to follow in Woodlawn Cemetery in Elmira. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Texas Tech Foundation, c/o John Mills Electric, PO Box 2068, Elmira Heights, NY 14903.