James “Jim” Clyde McMillin, 73, passed away on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, at Kindred Hospital North. Jim was born on August 31, 1949, in Sibley, MO, to James “JC” Charles McMillin and Eva Eulayla Todd. He was raised on the farm in a loving household, spoiled by his parents and four older sisters. He graduated from Ft. Osage High School in 1967 where he lettered in football, basketball and track. He then joined the Naval Reserves and remained active for 6 years. After a few years of travel, work and adventure, he returned in 1973 to work the farm with his father and help with the upbringing of his nieces and nephew. Jim met the love of his life Rebekah Gayle “Becky” Milster and they were married on October 19, 1974 in Sibley. Jim loved competitive sports and enjoyed supporting his Chiefs, Royals, Indians and Tigers. He could spot a four-leaf clover or morel mushroom quicker than anyone else and walk a freshly plowed field after a rain to discover unearthed arrowheads, axes and other native working tools. He labored as hard in the field as he did at home to raise his children. Honesty, integrity, a sense of self pride and confidence are values he carried with himself and passed onto others through stories and simply being in his presence.
Jim loved to talk and always had a life lesson in his stories. He was a wonderful father to his three children and grandfather to his three grandsons. He never met a stranger and always made people feel like they were his top priority in that moment. Even if you met Jim one time, you remembered him….and he remembered you. His impression was forever-lasting.
Jim is survived by his wife Becky, daughters Melissa McMillin and Lara Roach, son James (Makaela) McMillin, three grandsons Micah, Nolan, and Jaxson, sisters Nora Prindle and Jayne (Marlen) Roszell. He is preceded in death by his parents, and two sisters Jean Hoberecht and Billie Richardson.
A celebration of life for Jim will be held at 2pm on Tuesday March 21, 2023 at Speaks Suburban Chapel (18020 E 39th St Independence, MO). In lieu of flowers the family asks you share a favorite story of Jim with them.
Now he can ask Frank how many monkeys he has.