James R. "Jim" Mills Jr.

James R. "Jim" Mills Jr., age 83 of Hastings and formerly of Cannon Falls, died Friday, December 3, 2021, at Prescott Nursing and Rehab. James Robert Jr., the son of James R. Sr. and Ethel (Smith) Mills, was born on March 29, 1938, in Stanton Township, Minnesota. Following his graduation from Cannon Falls High School with the class of 1956, Jim enlisted in the United States Army Reserves where he served from 1955 to 1963. On May 6, 1961, Jim was united in marriage to Evelyn Bauer at St. Pius Catholic Church in Cannon Falls. Jim owned and operated Johnson Auto Body in Cannon Falls for many years and later worked at Koch Refinery. Following his retirement, he and Evelyn owned and operated Jim's Mini Donuts for twenty-five years. They made many friendships over the years while attending many festivals and events. In his free time, Jim enjoyed going to auctions, recycling, Ginseng hunting, working in his garden, playing cribbage, deer hunting, and watching football games. Of all the things he enjoyed, he treasured spending time with his grandchildren. Jim also enjoyed being a "Mr. Fix-it" and was always ready to help someone in need. He was preceded in death by his parents; and by his siblings, Gloria Skog and Gordon Mills. Jim is survived by his wife, Evelyn; children, Alan (Katie) Mills and Valerie (Robert) Fritz; grandchildren, Logan Mills, Jake Mills, Marisa Fritz, Ashley Fritz, and Elise Fritz; and by many other relatives and friends. Funeral services will be held 3:00 p.m. Sunday, December 12, 2021, at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings, with Gordon Gathright officiating. Interment will follow at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish Cemetery. Family and friends are cordially invited to a visitation from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., and to a reception immediately following the graveside service, all at the funeral home on Sunday. Arrangements are being completed by Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings.