James Richard Mills

 James Richard (Rick) Mills , 78, of Montgomery, AL, died Saturday, November 30, 2024. Rick was the son of Herman Edgar (H. E.) Mills and Marjorie Needham Mills born on November 22, 1946, in Knoxville, TN. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Becky Mills Mocken, and his daughter Laura Mills Justice.

Rick graduated from The University of Tennessee at Knoxville with a Bachelor of Fine Arts then a Master of Fine Arts in 1974. During his time at the University, he was a trumpet player in the Pride of the Southland Marching Band, played in a jazz band “The Townsmen,” met and married the love of his life Virginia (Ginger) Yarnell Mills he was married to for 57 years.

Rick spent 30+ years teaching at Judson College in Selma, AL then Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM) as a Professor Emeritus of Fine Arts. His love of teaching was apparent to all he taught in his drawing, painting and art history classes. One of Rick’s favorite art classes was teaching his beloved art students in Selma, AL. His greatest joy was expressing himself through his own works of art. He received numerous awards and recognition for his watercolor and mixed media work he showed in exhibitions all over the U.S. Rick had a profound impact on the local art community in his work with the Montgomery Art Guild.

Rick was a man of unwavering faith as a long-time member of Grace Episcopal Church, serving in the vestry and as a member of the choir. In addition to his singing with the choir in church, Rick loved to sing as a bass with the Madrigal Singers of Montgomery.

Rick found joy in all his years of travel he did with his wife and friends visiting many countries and continents. After his travels, he would come home and paint the beauty of the world he had seen. Rick had a true love for God and showed his sweet, kind and thoughtful spirit to everyone he met. He had a wonderful sense of humor and would always find a way to make you laugh or smile which was just one of his many endearing qualities that will be so very missed by all who loved him.

Rick is survived by his loving wife Ginger, daughter Emily Mills Stuart, son-in-law Allen Stuart, sister Cynthia Mills Ensor, sister-in-law Julia (Judi) Yarnell Dean ; three grandchildren Landon Justice, Kasen and Nolan Stuart and many nieces and cousins. Rick will receive a Rite of Burial Service at Grace Episcopal Church, 906 Pike Road, AL 36064, Monday December 9, 2024. Visitation will be from 1:30pm-3:00pm, Rite of Burial Service will be at 3:00pm, and a reception will follow the burial service.

As we extend our deepest condolences to you and your family during this difficult time, we would also like to express our upmost gratitude to you for entrusting us with your loved one. Magnolia Cremations & Funeral Services.

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