James Ray Mills

James R. (Jim) Mills, 65, of Selah, WA passed away Friday, November 3, 2017 at Virginia Mason Memorial Hospital after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was a beloved husband, father, son, grandfather, brother and friend.

Jim (AKA - Jimmy, Jimmy Ray, Millpond and Jim Bob) was born on March 10, 1952 in Yakima, WA at St. Elizabeth Hospital to Jim L. and Dot (Martin) Mills. He attended school in Selah, WA and graduated from Selah High School in 1970. After graduating, he attended YVCC.

Jim married the love of his life, Carol Schenk on May 14, 1976 in Yakima WA. They were blessed with two wonderful sons, Dusty and Casey. Jim took great satisfaction in spending time with his sons. He coached them in Little League and taught them to hunt, fish and appreciate spending time in the mountains.

Jim was a man of many talents and he challenged himself to excel at everything he did. His many jobs included: carpenter, baker, grocery manager, car salesman and most recently estimator for Pendleton Excavating and Paving.

Sports also played a big role in Jim’s life. He played not only varsity baseball in school, but softball (both fast pitch and slow pitch) for many years after. He was also an avid Mariners and Seahawks fan and enjoyed watching spring training in Arizona.

Although he struggled the last few years, it was also a joyful time. The arrival of his grandchildren was the highlight of his life. They were his best medicine and brought him heartfelt joy. He lit up when they hugged and kissed him and loved being called grandpa.

Jim was preceded in death by his fraternal grandparents, Cecil and Opal Mills and by his maternal grandparents, Coy and Helen Martin.

He is survived by his wife, Carol, his two sons Dusty (Casey) Mills and Casey (Amanda) Mills, his three grandchildren, Mason, Ashlyn and Carter, his parents, Jim and Dot Mills, siblings Dave (Vicki) Mills, Mike (Brenda) Mills and Cathy (Rod) Lake.

Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, November 18, 2017 at the Yakima Elks Golf and Country Club 318 Golf Course Loop, Selah from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. (Please do not bring any food.) Food will be provided by the club.

To share a memory of Jim, please visit www.keithandkeith.com.