Jim Lee Millard

Jim was a resident of Sylmar, CA for the past 42 years. He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Freda Sharon Joy Millard, and his children Rebecca Lee (Gregory) Hernandez, Omaha, NE, Mark David (Denise) Millard, Omaha, NE, and Rachel Lynn (Mitch) Villa, Santa Clarita, CA. Jim is also survived and loved by his grandchildren: G. Michael (Elise) Hernandez, Nicholas (Cara) Hernandez, Jonathan Hernandez, Christina (Will) Krajicek, David (Katie) Millard, Stephanie (Travis) Sholin, Jesse Millard, Matthew Villa, Mitchell Villa, and 14 great-grandchildren. In addition, he is survived by his sister-in-law Merlin Millard (102 years old, Peoria, Illinois) and numerous nieces and nephews. Jim is preceded in death by his parents, stepfather, brother Eugene, and sisters Imogene and Millie.

Jim was born to Howard Jesse Millard and Leota Vona Walraven Millard in Creve Coeur, IL and spent most of his early childhood years in Peoria, IL. In 1947, Jim embarked on what would become one of the greatest adventures of his life, moving to Southern California with his mother. During this period, his mother met and married Daniel White, marking the beginning of a new chapter for their family. Jim’s journey of faith led him to being baptized as a ninth grader at the First Southern Baptist Church of Norwalk. Jim would later graduate from Excelsior Union High School.

On January 28, 1955, Jim was sworn into the United States Army. His honorable service included being stationed in Korea. In 1957, through a series of God-ordained circumstances, Jim would find himself visiting a Baptist church in downtown Tacoma, WA. Following the service, Freda Joy and members of the College and Career group were hosting a lunch for the servicemen. In Jim’s own memoir he stated, “It just so happened that a beautiful young girl was responsible for the spaghetti dinner that day.”

Their romance flourished rapidly, culminating in their marriage. After Jim received his honorable discharge from the military, the couple relocated to Southern California, where Jim utilized his GI Bill to pursue higher education. He successfully earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Finance from the University of Redlands.

Jim and Freda raised their children first in Baldwin Park and later in Walnut, California. Jim dedicated his entire career to the finance industry, climbing the corporate ladder to become a Vice President with a Teledyne subsidiary.

During this period, Jim also served as a deacon at the First Baptist Church of Walnut Valley where he and Freda forged many deep friendships and discovered future family members. Among their lifelong friends were Darryl (deceased) and Gayle Scroggins, along with their children.

Jim's early retirement years were spent working part-time at his son-in-law Mitch's business and relishing rounds of tennis with Freda and friends. One of his bucket list achievements was touring the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

Jim was quite a character, known for his piercing blue eyes, childlike smile, and unique brand of humor. He cherished all things western, enjoyed singing, and loved train trips across the plains. Watching the business channel was a favorite pastime.

Jim's family adored him and cherished the countless fond memories they created together. They shared many wonderful meals and special moments in their California homes in Walnut and Sylmar. Jim was lovable and deeply loved. He learned early in life how to deal with adversity and excelled as a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. Jim's legacy will be cherished and remembered for generations to come.

Thank you, God, for the life of Jim Millard.

The family will hold a private burial complete with military honors, and a Celebration of Life for family and friends in April.