I miss  James so much. He was like a brother to me.  He shared many wise words and thoughts with me. He seemed so happy and " in love" when we last spoke, accepting his death was tough.

Jamsie, I hope that I might seer you  again....hopefully at the pearly gates...but no rush!!

Love, PAMMIE

It was a point in time in my life  to have met you . It wasn’t really enough you are such a good friend we had awesome conversations and times . Out of many many people who have left you are still in front of me I can almost touch you . Thanks for what you gave me emotionally. I’ll meet you under the tree . R.I.P.  James H.Mills  your friend Naked jimmy

Yes I meant his boat of course not his body . James was always at the Y swimming he didn’t need help with his body . Lol James 

James was my best friend. I met James in a very unusual way and he left us the same way ..
One day James asked me to go to Guatemala to help fix something on his body . I agreed and went along . Yes and we made it back home . I’m a New York City guy . The jungle was like being on another planet for me , James on the other hand being from Louisiana knew his way around . We went to a water falls that had warm water flowing over it . Oh and I almost forgot we met 3 woman there in bikinis . James didn’t hesitate to show them he could climb the roots of a tree to the top of a very high waterfalls and bravely dove off .I turned my back and thought we were in the jungle where would we get help if we needed it . He convinced the woman that they should follow him back up the falls and he would show them what to do . While up at the top an initiation for jumping off they needed to put the sacred mud all over them James was in for a sup prize . I don’t think they wanted mud all over them . He dove off again and they followed with awesome dives . The 3 woman were Israeli soldiers on break . Actually I was surprised too . James or I didn’t put any spiritual mud on them . Yes James my man please send your smiles down on us from time to time ... 
treetoeman 

James was such an exceptional person.  We met him in Belize and we became instant friends.  Then Melody's grace and sweetness made the picture complete.  Melody may your fond memories of your wonderful life together bring you comfort and peace.
Love and prayers.


James also had his creative side.  He loved music, and dabbled in art.  I could never keep up with his music collection and those SPEAKERS.  He loved his speakers, woofers, etc.  There was always the right speaker for the right job.  In fact, Melody told me there are so many speakers laying around their house being remodeling, that she is not sure where he intended all of them to be installed.  Quality sound and good tunes were always high on James’ list of must haves.
I would always chuckle at James when he got a little tipsy.  During this crazy COVID year, one of the last memories I have of his “tipsy” moments occurred on an evening we were planning on going to dinner.  James had had a few cocktails, and he was getting hungry.  James and Melody had joined Mary and I for happy hour, and we were going to meet Mark for dinner.  James says, “Let’s go up to this Mexican restaurant just north of here, the Wicked Tuna.”  Mexican restaurant, the Wicked Tuna, we say.  How about the Wicked Cantina?  So, the Wicked Cantina will always in Mary and I’s hearts be called the Wicked Tuna!
Lastly, I would like to talk about my (our) friend Melody.  She was a sweet and loyal partner.  She was really good for James.  His entire life James just wanted to cruise on a boat, and forget life’s day to day.  Melody was that person that needed that same adventure for her inner self, and she fulfilled the dream James always reached for in life.  A cruising partner and lover.  She also became part of the Mills family.  She loves “Mama June”, and enjoys the family visits to Shreveport.  I will leave you with one last thought about Melody.  James used to call her “my sweet southern innocent girl.”  That is a perfect description of the person I know as Melody. 
In closing, I will always appreciate James’ zest for life, that adventurous spirit, but yet his practical mindedness.  May the demons be gone and your spirit free; rest in peace, my dear, dear friend James Mills.  I love you.


I have met many Louisiana friends over the years through James; Terry, Russell, Mark, and other Louisiana to Florida transplants.  Over the years James’ family has been here to visit, and I have met almost all of them including nieces and nephews.  Today his oldest brother, George, is here with us celebrating James’ life.  
You know those Louisiana folks have some of the best Cajun parties and food around these parts.  The awesome dishes that include crawfish, shrimp, gumbo, shrimp etouffee, dirty rice, red beans and rice, and of course just add a little rum to that menu.  James loved his rum on ice with just a little water.  The rum also needed to be a dark rum.  He also drank vodka on occasion, but vodka did not love James if you know what I mean. I would usually ask, “Are you really sure you want to drink vodka tonight?”  You can only guess what his answer was.
Remember I mentioned earlier, “all types of interests in life”.  A few of James’ interests were politics and investing.  Both of which we would vigorously discuss at times.  He was a staunch Republican, and I am a moderate Democrat.  As you can imagine, we would have challenging discussions and they would not often lead to either of us to changing our minds but they were almost always a meaningful discussion.  Although some days I would just have to say, “We need to table this for another day!”
I also said, investing was an interest in James’ life.  Yes, James and I have or had the same love of money.  I am a finance professional, that loves meeting goals that involve MONEY!  Whether that money goal was for my job or my personal life, James and I would talk about investing strategies.  His risk tolerance was much greater than mine, but we would debate risk and potential reward for those various strategies.  I always leaned more conservative, and he always leaned more aggressive.


Boating also included befriending and socializing with all types of friends, with “all types of interests in life”.  Remember that comment about “all types of interests in life”.  I will come back to that topic in one of my stories.  Many of you that are part of that long-term Wednesday night sailing circle, know how many people or friends have crossed your lives over the years on those Wednesday nights.  I know, that I always had a great time socializing with the sailors.  There was never a dull moment or a bad time, in fact there were just GREAT times.  
I first met James and Terry, because of Terry and I’s jobs.  In those early years, I sometimes struggled with that Louisiana twang, and understanding their words.  I often wondered if they were actually speaking English.  Over the years, I was finally able to understand the Louisiana twang.  
James and Terry let me hang out with them for about four years, before Amy came into our lives.  James was a realtor at the time, and he sold a house to Amy about the same time she became me my long-term partner.  My dear partner and best friend, Amy, lost her fight with cancer in 2005.  The four of us were great friends for almost 12 years before her death.  I can’t even begin to remember all the great times the four of us and our friends had boating, partying, cooking, holidays, family events, or just about anything you would consider a good time.  You know that phase, “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.”  If only some of those parties could talk.  Or better yet, thank goodness the parties could not talk and that Facebook did not exist!
Then a little bit after Amy’s death, James and Terry made a decision to go their separate ways.  I loved both of them, Amy loved both of them, so I focused on making sure I kept both of them as friends.  And I was lucky enough to kept James in my life for about 15 more years.  Thus, my 30ish or so years of my friendship with James.


Memorial Service for James H. Mills
April 7, 1959 – January 28, 2021
by Diane C. Settle
Today we are here to “Celebrate the Life of James H. Mills”.  Please, let’s not forget today is a “Celebration of Life” and not a “Funeral”.  James would have wanted a PARTY rather than a sad “Funeral” event.  As today’s facilitator, I want to ensure we keep that “Celebration Attitude” throughout this evening.  Today is about laughter, coming together as friends and family, and remembering the days and good times we shared with James.  If you have a drink in hand, let’s raise our glasses in honor of James our dear friend, a son, a brother, and loving partner to Melody.
James Hardy Mills was born on April 7th, 1959 and left our earth on January 28th, 2021 at the age of 61.  He was born in Shreveport, LA and was the son of George and June Mills. We affectionally refer to James’ mother as “Mama June”.  He has three older living brothers George H. II Mills., Bryan H. Mills, and Ardis H. Mills; and yes, James was the baby of the family.  
His significant other, Melody Weldon, came into his life six years ago and quickly became a rock-solid partner in his adventurous life.  She immediately embraced his sense for adventure. They have spent many years on boating trips in the Keys, the Bahamas, Belize and his most favorite place Lighthouse Reef off the coast of Belize.  As crazy as James could be about his long-distance boating adventures, Melody went right along with the plan and trusted him.  Melody has been a true partner to James.  She has a caring and kind soul.  


Many years ago we met Jim and his smile.His sincerity and humor made an indelible impression on us .   We enjoyed every encounter and  he became like family. Melody added charm and warmth and those meetings became cherished memories.
Jim may be gone but will not be forgotten.  His smile remains with us.
Wilda and Bill

James always had that smile and kind word to all. He will be greatly missed at Our Y.  Melody, you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Pamela 

Once in awhile a person comes into your life that you have an immediate connection with. James was one of them. We so enjoyed boating with he and Melody.  Lots of laughs and good times in Guatemala, Belize and Florida. While we didn’t see each other much he will be deeply missed. The world lost an amazing soul. God speed James. We are so glad we had time with you.
Marla and Eli

James was a sweet and loving son-in-law.  We will miss knowing about his adventures and seeing him whenever we could. 


Words are not sufficient to express our sadness.  We will miss your friendship and treasure our memories.  Our prayers are with June and all who loved James.

John Hansen & Liz Mayo

James,
We miss you. You will always be a part of our lives. God speed, my good friend.
Stafford

Ron and I are so sad to learn of James’s death.  We both have fond memories of our family times with him. Our sincere condolences to the family. 
Ron & Kelly Calkins 

Paula and Jay are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

OBITUARY

James Hardy Mills

April 7, 1959 – January 28, 2021

Robert Toale & Sons Funeral Home at Manasota Memorial Park

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