Photo courtesy of Andrews Mortuary and Crematory - Market Street Chapel - Wilmington
Wilmington, North Carolina
Jan 25, 1939 – Mar 29, 2025
James W. Millis, Jr.
James Wesley Millis, Jr., 86, of Wilmington, passed away, Saturday, March 29, 2025, at New Hanover Regional Medical Center.
Jimmie, as he was known to family and friends, was born January 25, 1939, in Wilmington, son of the late James Wesley Millis, Sr. and Alice Livesay Millis. His son-in-law, Gene Browning, brothers-in-law Jay Smith and Carl Davis preceded him in death.
Jimmie was a devoted husband, brother, friend, uncle, and "Paw Paw." A 1958 graduate of New Hanover High School, he dedicated 50 years as the Executive VP of Bellamy Drug Co. in Wilmington. Later, he was employed by Bob King Mercedes from July 2011 to November 2024. Jimmie was a member of Anchor Baptist Church and previously an active member of the Hampstead Kiwanis Club, where he helped in the creation and building of Kiwanis Park in Hampstead. He also served in the Army National Guard, reaching the rank of Sergeant. Jimmie found joy in playing golf with family and friends.
Jimmie was always ready to lend a helping hand, assisting friends, neighbors, and family with countless projects. His passion for craftsmanship extended beyond his own home—which he designed and built himself, he played a significant role in helping to build Freedom Baptist Church, a place that held deep meaning for him.
Beyond his skills as a handyman, Jimmie will be remembered for his generosity, kindness, and unwavering commitment to those around him. His legacy lives on in the projects he built, the lives he touched, and the love he shared.
He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Nancy B. Millis; his children, Richard Langley (Samara) of Rocky Point, NC, and Michelle Browning (Chris Stenger) of Leland, NC; his siblings, Lynda Albert (Duke) of Rocky Point, NC, Don Millis (Shirley) of Leland, NC, and Mary Davis of Wilmington, NC.
Jimmie, lovingly known as “Mimmie” to his nieces and nephews, is also survived by Bryant L. Smith (Tracy) of Hampstead, NC; Becky S. Garrison (Tommy) of Mooresville, NC; Byron J. Smith (Laura) of Hampstead, NC; Alice Glester (Bill) of Hampstead, NC; and Archor P. Millis (April) of Hampstead, NC. "Paw Paw" is also survived by his beloved granddaughters, Lauren Langley, Madison Browning, and Claire Browning, along with many great-nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 5pm to 7pm Friday, April 4, 2025, at Andrews Market Street Chapel.
A funeral service will be held at 11am Saturday, April 5, 2025, at Andrews Market Street Chapel, with Pastor Kevin Groves officiating. Interment will follow in Oleander Memorial Gardens.
Flowers are welcomed, or contributions may be made in Jimmie’s memory to the local chapter of the American Cancer Society, 2202 Wrightsville Avenue, Suite 111, Wilmington, NC 28403.
Share online condolences with the family, here, in the guestbook.
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May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Tona Rimes
April 04, 2025 | Midway, GA | Friend
I am saddened in the learning of Jim’s passing. I am a retiree and worked for Bob King. Jim and I joined together many times getting customers there car back or we would bring the customers car back to Wilmington. Jim was a gentleman and always was thinking of the customer. He spoke of his family often and I could tell he loved his family.
I enjoyed working with Jim and his presence will be missed.
Leon Rooks
Bob King
Leon Rooks
April 03, 2025 | Wilmington, NC | Friend
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. I’m so very sorry, Nancy.
Debbie Jones
April 03, 2025 | Hampstead, NC
I enjoyed tugging around with Jimmie at Bob King. This guy knew how to crack a joke at just the right time and how to settle differences in a sometimes opportunistic situation.....
Harry Parham
April 03, 2025 | Wilmington, NC | Friend
Dearest Nancy, Our hearts are filled with deep sadness with the news of Jimmie’s passing. We count ourselves lucky to have had you and Jimmie as our neighbors. Jimmie, always ready to lend us a hand, share a tool, help us with a project-what a wonderful neighbor indeed. My special memories were when we congregated in our yards during clean ups after the hurricanes! We love you and will always remember Jimmie with love and gratitude.
Lovingly, Michele and Dab
Michele Shackelford
April 02, 2025 | Holly Ridge, NC | Neighbor
To the family and friends of Jimmie Millis,
So sorry for your loss. Jimmie was a very kind and generous person and a very loyal employee of Bellamy Drug Co. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. You all are in my thoughts and prayers!
In sincere sympathy, Patsy Elmore
Patsy Elmore
April 02, 2025 | Alexandria, VA
Nancy, I am so sorry for your loss. You and Jimmie were so nice to me while working at Bellamy. He always had a smile and kind word to everyone. Such a special person. My prayers are with you and your family.
Sabra Duncan
April 02, 2025 | Wilmington, NC | Friend
This past year I flew in from Hawaii to my brother and sister-in-law‘s Duke and Lynda Albert home to specifically meet her family we shared fellowship and had a Hawaiian luau. This is where I first met Jimmie and Nancy and I felt like I had known them my entire life. They were such warm and caring people and exuded so much love. And I was so happy for having known them. My short period of time was not commensurate with the amount of time everyone else knew him, but nonetheless, I felt like I...
PJ Whitson
April 02, 2025 | Mililani, HI | Friend
Bryant Smith
April 02, 2025 | Hampstead, NC | Family