James P. JP McMillan, Jr.

Mr. James P. "JP" McMillan, Jr. of Red Springs, died Friday, July 29, 2016 at Southeastern Regional Medical Center at the age of 92. Mr. McMillan was born July 18, 1924 in Robeson County to the late James P. McMillan, Sr. and Wilhelmina Hamer McMillan. He was preceded in death by siblings, Robert D. McMillan, Flora Bell McMillan Abernethy, son-in-law, John Terry Bullock and his grandson, Chris Clark. J.P. McMillan attended Philadelphus School in the Philadephus Community of Robeson County and graduated from Red Springs High School. He then attended Oak Ridge Military Academy in Oak Ridge, NC, but left after one semester, to enlist in the United States Army Air Corps, joining the Allied effort in World War II as a language specialist. He served as a signal radio intelligence specialist, in the China Burma India Theater assisting with defense of China. Following his service, J.P. returned to Red Springs and shortly thereafter married Frances Campbell McPhaul of Red Springs. Their early life together was spent in Fayetteville where J.P. worked for Sears Roebuck & Company in store management. The family relocated in 1953 to Red Springs and J.P. farmed briefly with his father until he began his land surveying practice in 1955. J.P. continued his surveying until retirement at age 85, in 2009. J.P. was a member of Red Springs Presbyterian Church where he served as Deacon and Elder in addition to singing tenor in the choir for fifty years. He was known for his musical talent and beautiful voice. Over the years, J.P. was active with the Red Springs Rescue Squad. He was an EMT and was one of the founding members of the Red Springs Rescue Squad. Later in life J.P. worked with the China Burma India Veterans Association and served in various leadership positions with the organization. He was able to connect with many of this army buddies through the organization. J.P loved flying private planes and was a pilot for many years. He really enjoyed the fellowship with friends. When he no longer flew himself they would visit at the local airfield owned by Phil Essey in Scotland County. J.P loved his work as a land surveyor and made many lifelong friends in Robeson County and surrounding counties. He was known as a honest and trustworthy person and business man. He was a hunter and fisherman and shared his passion with his children and grandchildren. He used the time with his grandchildren to teach much more than fishing and hunting, as he shared life experiences and values. He was adored by his family and knew he was loved. The values J.P. instilled in his children and grandchildren can only be found in a person who loves God, his country and his family. He was known as J.P.,Daddy, PaPa, Great PaPa, Brother, and often Mrs. McMillan referred to him as "Your Daddy" when the children were being disciplined for poor behavior. J.P. is survived by his wife of 69 years, Frances M. McMillan of Red Springs, a son, James P. "Jim" McMillan, III (Anita) of Raeford, 4 daughters Donna McMillan Bullock of Raeford, Linda Ellen McMillan (Todd Williams) of Aberdeen, Laura McMillan Gaitley (Steven) of Laurinburg, Dora McMillan Carter (David) of Sherrills Ford, NC; a brother, Alex McMillan of Red Springs, 14 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren and Griffin Jones, business foreman and friend. A visitation will be held 6-8pm Monday, August 1, 2016 at Crumpler Funeral Home 220 E.4th Ave. Red Springs. A committal service will be held 10:30 am Tuesday, August 2, 2016 at Alloway Cemetery with full military honors. A memorial service will follow at 11:30am at the Red Springs Presbyterian Church. Memorials may be made to the Red Springs Rescue Squad, 927 E 4th Ave. Red Springs, NC 28377 or Southeastern NC Friends of NRA P.O. Box 1531 Pembroke, NC 28372