James E. Mills, 89

MILFORD - James E. Mills of Milford died Thursday, June 14, 2007, in The Milford Center, Genesis Eldercare. He was 89.

Mr. Mills was born in Ellendale, the son of the late Jamie and Vesta (Macklin) Mills.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving during World War II as a motor sergeant in the 2nd Armored Division.

He served in North Africa, Sicily, England and France.

He received a Purple Heart after being wounded in Normandy on July 30, 1944, in the Village of St. Dents Le Gast.

After the war, Mr. Mills owned an auto mechanic shop at his home. He also worked at I.G. Burton Chevrolety, and was retired from civil service at the Dover Air Force Base.

Mr. Mills was the last living charter member of the Milford Veterans of Foreign Wars Blue Hen Post 6483, American Legion Post 3 of Milford the Milford Elks Lodge and the Harrington Moose Lodge.

Mr. Mills enjoyed dirt track racing. Both he and his brother Eugene Mills started racing in the 1950s.

They were the beginning of an era of racing in the Mills clan and the family has been racing ever since.

In his younger days, Mr. Mills enjoyed taking a week"s vacation to put his 20 crab pots in the water. At the end of the week, he would sell his 10 to 20 bushels of crabs to Sambo"s Restaurant in Leipsic.

Later in life, Mr. Mills enjoyed his little shack on the Misspillian River. He would take short boat trips with his dog, Tippy.

Mr. Mills was a kind, gentle man and was respected by all he met

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Catherine Susan (Baker) Mills in 2000; and a son, Jimmy Mills in 1949.

He is survived by his son, John Mills; a stepson, Albert Baker, both of Milford; a granddaughter, Rachael Lawley of Milford; and a great-grandson, Michael Lawley, also of Milford.

Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m., Monday in Milford Community Cemetery, Milford.

There will be no viewing.

Arrangements by Lofland Funeral Home, Milford.