Jasper Lee Mills Jr.

Jasper Lee Mills, Jr. was born on January 12, 1958, in New Haven, Connecticut to the late Jasper Lee Mills, Sr., and the late Minnie Jean Richard. Jasper gained his wings on Wednesday, September 17, 2025 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, surrounded by his loving and devoted family after his battle with cancer. Jasper is survived by his loving children, Jasper (Kesherise) Mills, III, Yolanda Mills, Alexis Duntz and Loranda Quicksey-Mills (who he adopted at the age of five and raised as his daughter); sisters, Sheila (Bobby) Corbett of North Carolina, Corrine (Kirk) Gildon of Texas, Cora Kelley of New Jersey, Carolyn (Herman) Saunders, Wanda Mills, and Toni (Jerome) Harris of Connecticut; and brothers, Willie (Jackie) Mills of Texas, Ronnie Mills of New Jersey. He was the cherished grandfather of Edwin Lee Mills, Lennox Lee Mills (who he helped to raise and served as a father figure in their lives) Jasper Lee Mills, IV, Kaserra Evon Mills, and Jaylen Anthony Mills. He also leaves behind his former wife for nearly 50 years, Marcia Mills; and a host of aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends who adored him dearly and shared in his joyful spirit. He was predeceased by his brother, Lonnie (Donna) Mills of North Carolina. "Jazz" or "Jr." as he was affectionately known, was a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him. His journey on this earth was one marked by love, compassion, and unwavering faith in God. His passing has left a void in the hearts of his family, friends, and many more whose lives were touched by him. We ask that you remember him not for the way his life ended, but for the way it was lived, and for the profound impact it had on the lives of those who had the pleasure of knowing him. Jasper attended West Haven High School where he played the cornerback position for the West Haven Blue Devils. Although he was one of the smallest players on the varsity football team, he was voted team captain by his teammates and coaches in 1975. He always said that what he lacked in size he made up for in heart and work ethic. He shared his love and knowledge of the game with his son, nephews, grandsons, and the youth in the community where he resided while serving as a football coach for Hamden Pop Warner Football and Hamden Youth Director for a number of years. After his graduation from West Haven High School, Jasper attended Albertus Magnus College and several trade schools. Jasper also served his country by enlisting in the United States Marine Corp where he was stationed at Paris Island in South Carolina before he was ultimately honorably discharged. Jasper was eventually employed by Pratt & Whitney, United Technologies as a mechanic and machine tech for over 30 years and was president of his labor union prior to his retirement. Jasper and Marcia raised their family in New Haven and Hamden Connecticut before moving to North Carolina later in life where Jasper worked as a maintenance technician with the Moore County School District. Jasper enjoyed his annual white water rafting trips, participating in the New Haven Bed Race, skiing, going on long motorcycle rides, attending family reunions and events, attending sporting events (he was an avid New York Giants and New York Yankees fan), New Haven Pizza (Pizza House was his favorite), spending time with family and friends, and traveling the world. Jasper would go on international adventures with his brother Willie Mills traveling to several countries and continents including but not limited to Europe and China (where he loved the soup). Prior to his passing, Jasper was able to travel to Africa with his family, a trip that he talked about to everyone who would listen. He was also able to support both his niece Whitney and his sister Corrine at their respective weddings. Those who knew Jasper will remember him for his infectious smile and personality, positive energy, and willingness to help his family and friends. Those who knew Jasper also knew that he accepted Christ in his life prior to his passing and looked forward to spending eternity with Jesus and his mother. Although Jasper's physical presence may no longer grace our lives, his spirit will continue to inspire and uplift us. May his memory be a blessing, and may we carry forth his legacy of love and compassion in all that we do. As you continue to worship Jesus up there, your light will forever shine brightly in our hearts. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jasper Lee Mills, Jr., please visit our floral store.