James Gary Mills, age 74, of Hudson, NH, died peacefully in his sleep on Monday, January 26, 2026.

James was born in Newton, NJ, on August 23, 1951.

He was a man of many trades throughout his life. He began his career as a civil engineer, followed by more than two decades in education, most memorably his 23 years teaching at Dracut High School. Later in life, James became a lumberjack and sawyer, owning and operating Woodmills Lumber from 1990 to the present. He was a hard worker who took pride in everything he did.

James had a true lust for life. He loved being social with friends around town and meeting new people. The man loved to talk - I often said, ''if you leave him alone, he' II talk to a rock."

Music was one of his greatest passions. He loved attending many concerts every year, with Neil Young being his hero.

James is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Kathy Mills; his sister Nancy Mills and her husband Ed Dick and their children and Grandchildren: his brother Michael Mills and his partner Mark; his sister-in-law Laura Weldon and brother-in-law Michael Weldon.

He also leaves behind a cherished surrogate family - Nicole and Joshua Wright and their daughters Emma and Evelyn.

James's wish was for a cremation. His celebration of life to be held on Sunday April 19 at 1PM at the Village Inn Restaurant, 544 Broadway Road, Dracut, MA.

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Recent Activity

March 11, 2026

Penny Noll posted to the memorial.

March 11, 2026

Lisa Burke posted to the memorial.

February 13, 2026

Pam Xigoros posted to the memorial.

8 Entries

Penny Noll

March 11, 2026

Jim was a good friend of my ex-husband Chuck Dolinskas from their days at Newark College of Engineering in the late 60´s/early 70´s. They had many adventures together over the years.

Lisa Burke

March 11, 2026

Words cannot express the gratitude I have for knowing this man. In high school, he was one of the only adults that understood me and went out of his way to help me succeed. I used to say I took an extra class in high school, It was detention with Mr Mills. Though, I would usually get out early for knowing the answers to his music trivia! What a special human being. How blessed we are to have been in his orbit. Sending all my love to his family and many, many friends.

Pam Xigoros

February 13, 2026

Rest in peace Mr. Mills...
Both my brother and I had Mr. Mills as our Science teacher in the early to mid 90´s at DHS. I still remember how passionate he was with his students and in what he taught. Condolences to his family.
Pam Xigoros

Joan and Steve Finigan

February 8, 2026

Sorry for your loss. May he rest in peace. He took the photos at our wedding in 1972. He was a great person.

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Paula and Ron Murphy

February 3, 2026

So sorry to hear of Jim's passing. Lots of great memories at Dracut High. Our condolences go out to Kathy and Jim's family.

Ron Carey

February 2, 2026

Reading this obit is saddening. Grew up in Newton NJ and attended school with Jim in the 1950s and 60's. We were friends as were all our families. My sincere condolences to Kathy, Nancy, Michael and all their families and friends. May he rest in peace.

Ken St Germain

January 31, 2026

Sorry to hear of Jim's passing. Shared many a good time at the Nan over the years. RIP brother

Jill Ransom

January 30, 2026

Mr. Millis was one of my teachers at Dracut High in the 90's. I used to enjoy talking music with him, as we had similar taste. Mr. Mills was the teacher that usually had detention duty. Always asking one trivia question at the start of detention. If you were the first person to answer correctly, you got to leave immediately. The one time I had detention, Mr. Mills asked, "who can see for miles?" I raised my hand so fast, getting the answer correct with The Who. I saw Mr. Mills in Hudson a couple years ago and told him this story. He remembered this day and told me he chose that question because he knew I'd know the answer and I "didn't belong in detention". He was a good guy. I bet he's on the other side rocking out with all the greats. Thinking of his family at this time.

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