James Patrick Mills

1988 - 2024

James Patrick Mills

April 1, 1988 - July 11, 2024

Charlotte, North Carolina - It is with heartfelt sorrow, James Patrick Mills, 36, of Charlotte, North Carolina, passed away July 11, 2024.

Affectionately known as Pat, he was born on April 1,1988 in the Queen City. He was the son of Dean and Gail (Gaskin) Mills and brother of Chris Mills. Pat's early years were spent living in Matthews, NC, Rochester, NY and Charlotte. He was a light-hearted, determined child whose love of fishing, sports, hiking, music and writing began at an early age. As a small boy, he would refer to himself often as "just a happy little sprite."

Pat's athletic ability developed as he pursued baseball at Olde Providence Recreation Association making the All-Star Team several seasons. He had a long streak of home run hits which was a thrill for all to watch.

In 8th grade, after playing on the Crestdale Middle School football team, Pat decided he would focus his skills on football only. He graduated from Providence Senior High School in 2006 where he participated on the JV and Varsity teams and was team captain his senior year.

His education and pursuit of football continued with a scholarship at Appalachian State University. During his years at App State, he was a decorated member and captain of the Mountaineer football team. While the accolades were many, the most significant accomplishments were the FCS National Championship Titles in 2006 and 2007, the upset game in Ann Arbor (at "The Big House") against the University of Michigan Wolverines, along with years of Southern Conference football championships and lifelong friendships made along the way.

Upon graduating from App State in 2011 with a degree in Criminal Justice, he accepted a Graduate Assistant Position with Concord University in Athens, WV where he helped contribute to the Mountain Lions first conference championship in over twenty years. The following year he accepted a position with the Western Carolina Catamounts coaching Tight Ends and later became the Special Teams Coordinator for the Catamounts. At the time, he was one of the youngest Special Teams Coordinator coaches in the country.

Pat coached with a player's heart and passionately inspired others with his love of the game. Although Pat's dedication was leading and guiding young men on the football field, his highest sense of purpose was traveling the country recruiting high school players, delivering offer letters knowing a football scholarship would change the course of their lives. He later applied his passion for recruiting to the IT space after relocating to Charlotte in 2019. He was last working with Formula Monks.

Anyone who knew Pat immediately realized he was larger than life. Some would even say "too big for this world." His passion, charisma, outgoing personality, big heart, faith and ability to inspire people to always believe in themselves has left a mark on too many lives to count.

Pat was a loving husband to Kristin, devoted father to his sons Brody (4), Elijah Ball (5) (mother Natalie Ball), and is survived by his parents Dean and Gail Mills; brother Chris, (Liza and their three children); maternal Grandmother, Patrica B. Gaskin (late Dr. Lewis J. Gaskin); paternal Grandmother Norma Gaut (late Bob Mills); many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and his loyal yellow Labrador, Sally.

A service to Celebrate the Life of Pat will be held on Monday, July 22 at 1:00 p.m. located at his home church, Providence Presbyterian Church (10140 Providence Church Lane) in Charlotte. A reception for the family and worshipers will follow in the Fellowship Hall. All are welcome.

Burial will be at a future date in Laurel Springs, NC located in the Blue Ridge Mountains which held a special place in Pat's heart.