James C. Mills

72, of Van Wert, died at 2:55 p.m. Saturday, March 24, 2007, at his residence.

He was born September 21, 1934, in Columbus, the son of the late James C. Sr. and Marjorie I. (Semer) Mills. On February 26, 1958, he married Kurako (Saito) Mills, who died July 19, 1992.

Mr. Mills had worked for a time for the New York Central Railroad as a fireman and retired from Federal-Mogul Corporation-National Seal in Van Wert after 34 years of employment. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving in Japan. While in Japan, he pitched minor league baseball for the Yokohama Clippers. He was a member of American Legion Post 178 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5803, both in Van Wert, and the Delphos Eagles. He was a 1952 graduate of Van Wert High School and attended Wesley United Methodist Church in Van Wert. He enjoyed baseball, his friends and family and time spent at Roselake in Michigan.

Survivors include two daughters, Kathy Proffitt of Waynesville and Jennifer Mills-Smith of Van Wert; a brother, Robert Mills of Delphos; and six grandchildren, Lindsey Thomas, Tyler Proffitt, Shelby Newland, Christopher Mills, Layne Smith and Isabella Smith.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 28, at Brickner Funeral Home in Van Wert, with the Rev. Paul W. Miller officiating.

Visitation is from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, March 27, at from noon until time of service Wednesday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Van Wert Hospice-The Caring Way, and Community Health Professionals.