James William McMillan, Sr.

He was born in Hartsville, South Carolina on May 7, 1926 to James C. and Eunice (Beasley) McMillan.

At age 17, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served during World War II from July 1943 to March 1946. He was a Boatswain's Mate. He also served in the U.S. Naval Reserve 1950-1954.

James W. married his beloved wife of 75 years, Mary Jean (Loggins) McMillan, on June 28, 1947. She preceded him in death on January 28, 2023.

They lived in Spartanburg, South Carolina for 12 years where he worked at the Spartanburg Herald Journal. In 1959 he moved his family to Cocoa, Florida, here he was the Circulation Manager of the Cocoa Tribune.

After his career with the newspaper, he was employed by the State of Florida Department of Transportation from which he retired in 1991.

James W. loved spending time with family and friends. He enjoyed going to grandchildren's (Crystal and Billy) sporting and school events. He also liked camping, fishing, boating, and water skiing.

He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Cocoa and helped film the Sunday services. He was also a member and, at a point, the President of the Cocoa Jaycees.

James William is survived by his brother, Neal McMillan of Petersburg, VA; sister Mary Emma Marks of Stonesville, NC; daughter, Constance Edmunds (husband Richard); sons, James William McMillan, Jr. and Lester D. McMillan; granddaughter, Crystal M. Giannini (husband Donatello) and six great grandsons, Giuseppe, Vincenzo, Dominic, Angelo, Lorenzo, and Maurizio; grandson William McMillan (wife Rosalia), great grandson, Gianmarco James and great granddaughter, Sofia Rose.

We will honor his life on May 26, 2023 at 10:30am at the Life Event Center at Florida Memorial, 5950 South US Highway 1 in Rockledge, Florida, followed by a funeral service at 11:00am.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.FloridaMemorialFH-Gardens.com for the McMillan family.