James Robert McMillen, known more affectionately to many as “Bro. Jimmy”, departed this life and happily entered the Kingdom of Heaven on October 2, 2026, at the North Mississippi Medical Center’s Hospice Unit. Bro. Jimmy was born in Winthrop Harbor, Illinois to Robert Hoyle McMillen and Jewel Mae McGillivray McMillen on August 20, 1957. He resided with his parents and siblings in Kenosha, Wisconsin until he relocated to Amory, Mississippi, where he graduated from Amory High School in 1975. He attended ICC from 1975 to 1977. He surrendered to the ministry in 1987 and received his degree in Biblical Studies.
Bro. Jimmy pastored several churches in Pontotoc, Lee and Union Counties throughout his career. Bro. Jimmy was a Master Mason at Pontotoc Lodge No. 81 F&AM, a lifetime 32nd Degree KCCH Scottish Rite Mason, a Charter Member and Past Venerable Master of the Knights of Saint Andrew, Corinth Chapter.
Bro. Jimmy is preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 31 years Peggy Phillpis McMillen, his sisters Debbie Sue Clark, Dorothy Kay Waldo, and Linda Gail Derrick, and a grandson, Cayson Ryver McMillen.
He is survived by his son, James “Jamie” Robert McMillen, II (Emily), his daughter Crystal Lynn McMillen, grandchildren Jayme, Peggy and Morran, Boston, Abigail and Hailey, and a great granddaughter, Lauren Cheyenne. He is also survived by his brothers, Thomas Allen McMillen and Randy Dwayne McMillen.
Funeral services will be held at Charity Baptist Church on Monday, October 5, 2026, at 2PM with Bro. Kevin Merritt officiating. Visitation will begin at 11AM and continue to service time. Burial and Masonic Funeral Honors will be at Carey Springs Cemetery. Tutor Memorial Funeral Home is in charge of preparations.
