James "Jim" Henry Mills

James “Jim” Henry Mills, 76, of Randolph, walked into Heaven's gates on Tuesday, March 30, 2021. His final moments were spent at home, surrounded by his loving family.

Born Oct. 7, 1944, in Akron to parents Cecil and Myrtle Mills, Jim graduated from Ellet High School in 1963 and spent a lengthy and fulfilling career at B.F. Goodrich before retiring.

He married the love of his life and soulmate, Doris, on Dec. 20, 1963. Jim adored spending time with his family, including his 15 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, who called him Poppy, Pop and Paw. He loved to work on race cars with grandson Kyle; watch Laurel and Hardy with great-grandson Aiden; have front porch current event talks with granddaughter Katie; talk all things cars and guns with grandson Brandon; and share his fascination with genealogy and researching the family history with grandson Aaron.

As his family grew over the years and the family home of many decades began to burst at the seams during Christmas wrapping paper fights and Sunday dinners, Jim added onto the house, adding a front porch and an entire new back room to be filled with love, happiness, laughter, warmth and memories.

He loved watching NASCAR, so much so that something felt missing if a race wasn’t on the TV. He was incredibly handy and hardworking, always helping on family members’ cars and tinkering on various projects — and always willing to share his knowledge and teach someone how to do something, from making paper airplanes to making Christmas presents nearly impossible to open.

He is so deeply loved and missed by his heartbroken family, who is thankful he is no longer in pain and in Heaven, watching over them.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Doris; children, Beverly, Jim (Patty), Brenda and Becky; grandchildren, Meaghan (David), Brandon (Erica), Alex, Rachael, Emily, Mikayla, Katie, Bailey, Regan, Jess, Kyle, Aaron, Jillian, Riley and Collin; great-grandchildren, Aiden, Mia and Rowen; sister, Betty; brother, Barry; and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Calling hours are from 12-2 p.m. Saturday, April 3, with the service immediately following at Donovan's Funeral Home (formerly Hopkins Lawver), 34 S. Cleveland Ave., Mogadore, with Pastor Paul Phillips officiating.

Masks will be required, and all COVID-19 safety guidelines, including social distancing, will be followed.

Burial will follow at Hillside Cemetery in Randolph.

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