James “Bud” Wiley Mills Jr., 89, of Utica, passed away on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 while under the care of Hospice of Western Kentucky. He was born February 18, 1937 in Compton, California to the late James Wiley Mills Sr. and Ida Diltz Mills. James was on the 1954 Owensboro High School State Championship football team. He worked many years as a math and physics teacher at Owensboro High School where he was instrumental in the early 1980’s construction of an airplane. James later retired from Ohio County School System. He was an engineer at DuPont for four years. James received his Master’s Degree from Murray State University, where he met the love of his life, Beverly. They were married in 1962. James was a member of Faith Lutheran Church and a Kentucky Colonel. James was a ham radio operator (KK4AHJ) and was very involved in the club and was a certified tester. He spent his lifetime coaching football and softball.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Beverly Jayne Manke Mills; and sisters, Barbara and Martha.
He is survived by his children, Kimberly Jayne Horn (Scott), James Wiley Mills, III (Shiloh), and Cynthia Mills Shaver (Chuck); grandchildren, James Wilson Mills, Charles Colby Shaver (Destinee), Caleigh Mills Shaver, Lacie Marie Barnett (Josh), Natalie Elizabeth Hatfield (Zeke), Hannah Jayne Horn, and Sarah Elizabeth Horn; 3 1/2 great-grandchildren, Levi Shaver, Abel Shaver, Leighton Mills, and one on the way, Bodhie Barnett; brother, Red Mills (Beverly); half-brother, Mike Svetlik; and several nieces and nephews, including his favorite niece, Nolyne Wilkinson.
A memorial service will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, March 13, 2026 at James H. Davis Funeral Home and Crematory. Visitation is from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home. Private burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery at a later date.