John A. Mills

8/19/2018:
My regrets that I didn't see Mr Mills's obit til today when I was looking at the JHDS reunion FB page.

Mr Mills was my band and music teacher in formative years of my at Skyline, a teacher buddy of my Dad's from their early years at Stanton JHS in the early 1960's, the father of my first girlfriend in 8th grade, and was a runner at least a decade before it was common to do so.

Quite a guy.

Just as my father passed in 8/2016, he will be missed; but he...

Like so many else here, I had Mr Mills as a band teacher at Lora Little and then Stanton Jr High. I too had the great good fortune to have him for some private lessons along with my sister Amy. The highlight of those lessons was when he would play as well. I see many clarinet players represented here! Good to see many familiar names and to read these stories. He was a warm, compassionate funny man who really seemed to like kids and had infinite patience with us!

Mr. Mills was my instructor and band director at Stanton Jr High and my wife's at Skyline Junior High in the late 1960's. We remember him as a kind and encouraging teacher who cared about his students and loved what he did. His sense of humor was contagious.
I had the privilege of taking private lessons from Mr. Mills for several years at his home. He was always very kind to me and a personal mentor. His wife always made me feel very welcome in their home. One special memory for me was...

I was saddened to learn of Mr. Mills's passing. I was at Stanton Junior High from 1961-1964 and was fortunate enough to play the trumpet in the band and the dance band. Through the dance band, I was exposed to the music of previous generations. That exposure broadened my music horizons, and I am forever grateful. I continued to play through high school and college, and still play to this day.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

To the family of John A. Mills,
So sorry for your loss. What a wonderful music teacher and musician. His legacy carries on in so many students - not only with music, but with the respect and gentle manner he displayed. A real gem.
Caring thoughts to your family,
Kristina "Kris" Taylor

It was honor to meet John by way of my in-laws, Al and Freida Berry. Being a band director and musician myself, John and I always had a great deal to talk over, discuss and share with one another. I will long remember sitting at McDonalds on a Thursday morning telling one another musician/ musical instrument jokes. It was a pleasure to get to know and enjoy my time with John. No doubt he had an immeasurable impact and influence on countless lives. Thank you, John - we will miss you!