John C. Mills Jr.

John C. Mills, Jr. was welcomed into the arms of God on October 19, 2025, at the age of 75. He was surrounded with love by his immediate family, singing songs of praise.
Born in Detroit on January 6, 1950, John was the son of John C. Mills, Sr. and Elizabeth (Rau) Yacenik. He was the eldest of three brothers and two sisters who all looked up to him: Michael (Barbara) Mills, Charles (Gerda) Mills, Steve (Teri) Mills, Cathy (Todd) Smith and Carolyn (Rich) Rayburn.
In his elementary years, John attended Hall of Divine Child, building character and discipline, where he learned to play the trombone.
John joined the Marine Corps at the age of 17 and became a helicopter crew chief. Serving in the Vietnam War from 1968 to 1971, he met his best friend, Steve MacKay. He received his pilot's license at age 18 and pursued his love for aviation.
John attended Wayne State University to become a CPA, graduating top of his class. He worked at Arthur Anderson, Ernst + Young, Consumers Energy and ANR Pipeline where he rose through the ranks. Later he would use his financial talents to serve as treasurer of his church.
He met the love of his life, Kathleen, at her parents' restaurant in Irish Hills, Michigan. The two were introduced by a family member while he was on leave from the Marine Corps. Their love blossomed and he proposed to her in a boat on a moonlit night on Evans Lake, Michigan. They were married in 1971 and began their life in East Detroit. A short time later, they built their dream home in Brooklyn, Michigan where they started their beautiful family. He was the father of three children: Jennifer, Nathan (Jeanette) and Jeremy (Kara) and the grandfather to six grandchildren: Matthew, Meghan, Lucas, Isaac, Levi and Barrett.
John developed a love for water sports at an early age, becoming a proficient water skier. He discovered his passion for the outdoors later in life, becoming an avid fisherman and hunter. He displayed his physical prowess by completing a full marathon in a little over three and a half hours. He continued his fondness for the outdoors through camping and traveling. He made many friends along the way, eventually settling his camper at Fort Trodd in Port Huron for over 30 years.
Following in his father's footsteps, who was a pastor, John faithfully served the Lord. He went on a mission trip to Africa in the 1980s, where his eyes were opened to the needs of the poor. He would make it his calling to help those in need both in his community and abroad. He was a faithful supporter of numerous organizations to help guide people to the Lord. John was an avid reader of Christian works and defender of the faith. He would make many dear friends through years of attending St. Clair Shores Assembly of God, Lakeside Assembly of God and Hope Baptist Community Church.
"See you here, there, or in the air." - John C. Mills, Jr.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate John's life on Friday, October 24, 2025, from 3 - 8 p.m. at William Sullivan & Son Funeral Home, 8459 Hall Road, Utica, MI 48317. John will be laid in-state at Hope Community Baptist Church, 42259 Hayes Rd. Sterling Heights 48313 on Saturday October 25 at 10 a.m. until service time of 11 a.m.
Committal will take place on Monday, October 27 promptly at 10am at Great Lakes National Cemetery, 4200 Belford Road, Holly, Michigan 48442. All are welcome to attend.
The family has requested all donations be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network https://PanCAN (Pancreatic Cancer Action Network).org or Honoring the Sacrifice https://honoringthesacrifice.com