Jimmy McMillan

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Dad and Granddad, Jimmy McMillan; a man whose life was defined by faith, generosity and a deep devotion to family and his church. 

Jimmy McMillan, 88 years of age, passed away at home June 5, 2025 surrounded by his loved ones. There will be no visitation. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, June 10th at 10:00 am at Landmark Baptist church with Pastor Emeritus Dennis McKinley officiating. 

Jimmy was born July 14th, 1936 in Ardmore, Oklahoma. His family moved to New Mexico when Jimmy was 8 years old. At a young age Jimmy got a job as a paper boy for the Carlsbad Current Argus where he worked for some years, he then eventually landed a job working at the Cavern Theatre. He met his future wife Nita McDaniel at Becky’s A&W where she worked as a car hop. They were eventually married February 23, 1957. Jimmy had a 1957 Chevy which he was quite proud of but eventually had to sell in the following years, to buy a Rambler station wagon to transport his 3 children. Jimmy served proudly in the National guard for 10 years, and eventually went to work in the Potash industry. He worked at the Potash mines as an Analytical Chemist for over 30 years. 

Jimmy served faithfully for many years as a deacon at his church, where his steady presence and quiet leadership left a lasting mark on all who knew him. Whether he was tending the grounds with tireless dedication or welcoming the children who lovingly called him Papa Jim, he always had a pocket full of candy to share. The children at church adored him, not just for the treats he shared but for the way he made them feel special. Perhaps nothing was more beloved than his famous chocolate chip cookies which he baked in generous batches always ready to be given away to family, friends, and strangers. He was a diehard Oklahoma football fan and always wearing his OU hat. Gardening brought him peace and purpose, his beloved John Deere Tractor and a patch of earth was all he needed to grow his okra and beefsteak tomatoes. A true outdoorsman at heart, Jimmy loved to fish with his kids and grandkids. One of his hobbies was fixing his kids and grandkids lawnmowers, weed eaters and bikes. He also enjoyed his tinkering in his garage and doing woodworking. Taco Tuesday at Granddad’s house became a favorite family tradition that created memories that will last a lifetime. Most of all he loved his family and especially his dear wife Nita, the love of his life. 

Jimmy leaves behind a legacy of kindness, humility and unconditional love. He was the best dad, husband and granddad anyone could ever asked for and he will be deeply missed by all whose lives he touched. “Rest well granddad; your memory and love will live on in every cookie baked, every taco shared, and every tomato and okra picked”. He was preceded in death by his wife Nita of 59 years.

He is survived by son Britt McMillan, and his wife Lynna, son Steve McMillan, daughter Linda Allen and (Robert), Grandchildren Brandy Cole and (John), Tessa and Eloy Lopez, Chance and Clancey McMillan, Josh and Robin McMillan, and Jason and Krissy McMillan, Shawn Allen and (Amanda), Chris Allen and (Melissa), great grandchildren Brittney Boyd and Cody, Justice Cole and (Max), Xander Cole, Hayven Burkeen and (Thomas), Charlize Lopez, Eloy Lopez, Eziequel Lopez, Cayson McMillan, Chloe McMillan, Tatum McMillan and Bailey, Mackinzie McMillan and (Trustin), Madisyn McMillan, Hayden Allen, Brock Allen, Great great-grandchildren Charlie Cole, Wolfgang Schober, Hudson Saiz, Aveah Saiz, and soon to be born Dakota Bratcher.