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Jerry McMillen
1937 - 2016
Jerry McMillen
1937 - 2016
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1937
DIED
2016
Jerry McMillen Obituary
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Koosje Verkerk
September 25, 2016
Terry (my husband) was riding his mountain bike on the trails of Usery Park in Mesa Arizona November 2009. He had made it to the top of a very technical trail, and was about to descend, when he heard someone come up behind him. It was Jerr. They engaged in pleasant conversation and soon Jerr took off down the trail. Not to be outdone by a person of more age than himself, Terry also launched himself down the trail. Hikers were astounded to see the two of them biking down such a steep, rocky trail. At the bottom, Jerr was surprised to see Terry had made it down safely. He came to our campsite at Usery Park for an impromptu dinner of Walmart Roasted Chicken and Potato Salad around our campfire. Later, Jerr invited us to his home for a BBQ. We were totally unprepared to find ourselves as guests at his beautiful home. Jerr was unpretentious and welcoming, and treated us with great hospitality. We laughed when he took us to Costco, and he ran around to all the free samples, making sure he beat out the other customers to the goodies. Jerr also let us play music for him, and I often practiced out by the pool, and the neighbours didn't even complain. We were honored to have been invited to some of his family affairs, Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, BBQs, and to share in his friendship as well as that of people that were important to him. He is memorialized on the bicycle he gave Terry and every time Terry rides that bike, Jerr is with him.
Griz & Julia
August 20, 2016
We first met Jerry about 20 years ago. Cycling, of course. He was almost twice Julia's age then, but she and I had to work hard to keep up with him on a road bike, and definitely on a mountain bike. When his business took a downturn due to a weak period in the economy, Jerry decided to channel his efforts into becoming a better cyclist. And of course, he soon placed number one in the World competition at Mamouth, CA. That was Jerry. Always full throttle in everything he did. That included his personal friendships. He was one of the most generous persons we have ever met. He always made sure that everyone felt "included" and cared for.
Jerry wasn't a religious man, and I suppose he was surprised to find that his spirit now lives forever, in a very beautiful place, just on the other side from where we mortals exist now. He's there, surrounded by the loving embrace of other family, friends, and of course, the mighty and loving supreme spirit.
We miss him for sure. But he is there, and if we listen quietly, we can still hear and feel his influence in our lives.
Thank you Jerry. For everything.
Dennis Johnson
August 17, 2016
On behalf of the Dennis and Lona Johnson family, express our and my sincere love and appreciation to the Jerry McMillen family and especially to Jerry.
I was a 25 year old young man with a wonderful young wife along with our first of six children, a baby daughter............when Jerry McMillen took a risk on me, gave me a job selling manufactured homes for his company, Phoenix Mobile Homes.
I soon learned that Jerry McMillen was unlike anyone I had every met so far in my young life. Jerry was born with greater levels of vision, discipline and determination than most people. I learned early on he expected an honest day's work and he expected you to do things his way. His way soon proved to be the best way and the most correct way when it came to being a successful manufactured home sales organization. Jerry knew how to sell and sell correctly. I believe he could have sold anything he wanted to. He was blessed with that kind of personality.
Having associated with this good man for going on 37 years, it is impossible express the depth of gratitude I have for this man in the few words I write at this time. Because of the opportunties Jerry offered me over many years, I was able to provide the necessities and comforts of life for my dear wife and six children. The Johnson family was greatly blessed because of this man's incredible vision and determination to build a great and successful company. I was so blessed to able to hitch my family to his wagon for so many years.
I and my family will forever hold the name of Jerry McMillen close to our heart, always feeling love and great gratitude for this man and what he meant to our family, how we were blessed by his generousity and care.
Jerry McMillen lived life to the fullest extent. He touched many, many lives for good. Although he was very successful, he was humble and helped many people seeking no recognition or applause. He was just a good man.
I look forward to the day when I will see him again.
Steve Pettit
August 17, 2016
It was really cool having Jerry as an Uncle and a Godfather. Even back in the 60's Jerry left a great impression on me. As a kid, I do not think there was anything in this world that he had not tried to do and I really looked up to that. He had a real zest for life.
Why a few things stick in my mind I do not know, but I can still vividly remember a few. I remember Jerry putting a ski belt on me when I was about 5 years old at Lake of the Ozarks. Jerry and Aunt Inga used to scuba dive even way back then. My grandpa told me the story several times of how Jerry was diving by the dam at the lake. He came face to face with a catfish that was bigger than he was. He went to the surface and he never dove at that spot again. I can still remember the machine gun they had in the corner of one of their bedrooms at their home in Scottsdale.
As other have mentioned Jerry was generous. Even back in the 60's, Jerry and Inga would always send each of us kids $5 at Christmas which was a lot of money to us back then. He always made it a point to provide a place for Grandma and Grandpa to stay when they were snow birds and made sure to entertain them on them on their visits. One such trip was when he flew Grandpa down to the Gulf of Mexico to fish for Blue Marlin. Grandpa had caught an enormous Blue Marlin. I remember the picture of how sun burnt Jerry was just was as much as much I remember the picture of the fish. His face was blistered from one end to the other. He entertained our mom when she visited, sometimes flying her and others to Vegas.
In April, Brenda and I were guests at Jerry's and Pat's home. I really wanted to pick up the tab when we went out to eat to show our appreciation to them. He acted kind of aggravated and insisted that when visiting Jerry, Jerry picks up the tab".
Kristi, sorry we missed you on that visit, but hope to see you sometime.
Pat, Kristi and family, you have our condolences and know he will be deeply missed by many.
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Brad Nikolaus
August 16, 2016
Oh how I loved this great man. I went to work for Jerry in October of 1979, almost 37 years ago. He had one lot on 88th Street out here in east Mesa back then. Jerry was a man of vision and a man determined to put into action that vision. Always thinking, always moving, always dreaming and always planning. He truly was the most intelligent person I have ever associated with.
The ADI program he designed led to 256 manufactured housing retail sales centers in 22 states throughout this country at one time. He became the largest independent Retailer in the country!Hundreds and hundreds of men and women had an amazing opportunity to own their own business and reap the rewards of their efforts because of Jerry.
Jerry was a man of his word. If he said it, you could take it to the bank.
He realized the value of people and he surrounded himself with handpicked men and women who helped him build and run his company. We were faithful and loyal to him and he was faithful and loyal to us.
Jerry loved to fish and ride his bike. He was incredibly talented at both!
He had a ton of friends. He silently went out of his way to help many people, never seeking or looking for accolades. He just did it.
He fought hard until the very end. That was his way. That was always his way!
I Iove this great man. Thank you for changing my life.
August 16, 2016
To whom it may concern:
My name is Joe Willie McAllister, and live in Austin, Texas. My Company is McAllister & Associates. I have been Jerry's commercial real estate Broker for well over 20 years. I met Jerry in the 80's when he was searching for suitable land in Central Texas that would accommodate his manufactured housing business. Even though, at this time, I was representing the Owner/Seller of the land and not Jerry. Jerry was a truly a "breath of fresh air" to deal with throughout the complicated commercial transaction, and we immediately became friends. Since Jerry lived out-of-state, he asked me to assist him in obtaining his development entitlements for the Property which I gladly did, even though this was not what I did for a living. He never forgot what I had done for him. Many years later, when Jerry closed his business, he called me and asked me if I would then become his agent and help him sell the same Property. I agreed to do this for Jerry, and we did this on a "Hand-shake" as I was already comfortable with Jerry's honor and high integrity. I knew that Jerry's word was his bond and that his word was better than any piece of paper with his signature on it. Not to say, that over the years, Jerry was a strong-minded business Man and demanded performance from me. We eventually got the Property sold for more than it was worth, and he gladly paid my commission. This way of doing business in the Dog-Eat-Dog world in the hard-core commercial real estate industry is highly unusual, but I never, ever worried about Jerry. He was truly a man of his word, and this World needs more Jerry McMillens in it, I assure you. I do not have the words to let you know how much I will miss him.
He was one of a kind.
Trevor and Leslie Hancock
August 16, 2016
We feel very lucky to have met Jerry through business relations, but soon developed into a friendship over the last 10 years. We met Jerr after his diagnosis of prostrate cancer. To us Jerry epitomized what we would call a 'true warrior ' in his battle with cancer. Never quitting to seek new regimes of medicines . He shared a small part of his very big life with us . He was a grateful soul, very generous with his time and talents to those lucky enough to have spent time with him. He will always be remembered and referred to often for his contagious smile and big heart . He will be missed yes, but the gift of his life that he shared with us will always be a source of inspiration to his family and friends .
Karen Berry
August 16, 2016
My uncle Jerry watched over my parents Jim an Sue for many years. When my father was ill, Jerry was always there, and we could not have made it through that difficult time without him. He helped me when I returned to school after retirement to start a new career, and was always encouraging. God Bless you.
Sherry & Randy Robertson
August 15, 2016
We send our love and deepest sympathy to Jerry's family. I worked for Jerry for 23 years and am so thankful to him for everything he taught me. He provided a great place to work. I am a business owner now and there are many times I reflect back on Jerry as my boss and how he treated me and I try to treat my employees the same way. Thank you, Jerry for the guidance.
R.I.P Jerry McMillen
Harvey & Nancy Stern
August 15, 2016
A chance meeting with Jerr at a Hawes Road biking trail junction led to an offer of a guided tour the next day of all the trails (initially built by Jerr) and a unique dinner invite in the evening. This was the start of a fourteen year friendship which has now sadly ended.
Over the course of our winters South with Jerr, he impressed us in many ways. We marveled at his biking skills as we watched him on many occasions bike the Pass Mountain "waterfall" in complete control, many times scaring the hikers watching him! We admired his perseverance as he continued to bike hard and fight cancer even harder as his disease progressed. We will not forget his generosity and hospitality, particularly his over the top B.B.Q's!! Jerry's unassuming, happy nature just made him a great guy to spend time with especially during our bike rides through Usery Park.
Our condolences to all the family. We know you, like us, have great memories of Jerr which will keep his spirit alive.
Steve Manson
August 14, 2016
My sincere sympathy goes out to Jerry's family. I met him in the 82nd Airborne and we shot together on the Automatic Rifle Team in many matches in Germany. That was about 57 years ago. We remained friends and stayed in contact all of that time. He was smart, fun and had a positive attitude all the years that I knew him. He was a wonderful host the times we had our reunions at his houses in Arizona and Nevada. I will miss him.
505 BAR Team
Tom Rosckes
August 14, 2016
My friend & buddy Jerr. We first met while trying out for the 8th Division 505 Panther
BAR (Browning Automatic Rifle) Team in 1959 while stationed in Mainz, Germany. It was
your generosity that brought 7 members of the Team together in August 2009 when you invited us to your home in Reno for a reunion. This reunion erased 50 years of time and we all became buddies again. You extended an open invitation to visit you at your home in Mesa. I accepted the invite and every February since 2010 we were able to reminisce about our Army days. In March of 2014 you hosted another 505 Panther BAR reunion in Mesa attended by 7 of the team members. We had some good quality time together over the past 8 years.
So long my good buddy, you and your family are in my prayers.
Dave & Jane Harvey
August 11, 2016
It is hard to express words for the "BIG JERR". He lived his life the way he wanted to and it was the "BIG JERR" way. We want to send our thoughts and prayers to all that touched his path in life. JERR was a great mentor beginning in 1992 and our personal & business relationship continued all these years and I will greatly miss the "BIG JERR".
ronald medlin
August 10, 2016
In loving memory of "The Jer".
"The Jer"
ronald medlin
August 10, 2016
2009-Hiking with Jerry in Leavitt Meadows
Debbie and Brian Terry
August 10, 2016
Our deepest sympathy to all of Jerry's family. We were friends with him here in the Reno area, and he was part of our large circle of friends. We spent many summer days barbequing, camping, hiking, and biking together. He was always up for an adventure and truly loved the great outdoors. Nothing seemed to please him more than a mountainous trek or a tough mountain bike ride, followed by a gourmet meal over the BBQ with friends. His smile was contagious, and he was most always laughing and joking. Jerry will be dearly missed by all of us. He fought one of the toughest fights. We will miss you our Friend. Rest in Peace-.
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400 S Power Rd, Mesa, AZ 85206
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