Private committal services for James W. Mills, 89, of Aurelia, formerly of Everly, Iowa, were held on Friday, December 20, 2013 at the Riverside Cemetery in Spencer, with Pastor Larry Lemke of the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Aurelia officiating. The Redig Funeral Home in Aurelia was in charge of arrangements.

James Weaver Mills was born on July 15, 1924 in Spencer, IA, the son of Lloyd and Helen (Weaver) Mills.  His childhood years were spent in Everly, where he received his education. He attended Iowa State University, entered the Navy as a radio tech, returned to ISU and graduated with a degree in Animal Husbandry.

On August 10, 1947 James married Orva Jean Schoelerman in Everly. They made their home in Everly and began farming and then purchased the local insurance agency, Mills Insurors and became a partner in the Everly State Bank. He and his wife retired to Okoboji and Longboat Key, Florida.

James was a Board President of the Clay County Fair and also the church board of Hope Lutheran Church in Everly. He was a member of the Lutheran Church in Everly, transferred to Milford, and finally to St. Paul Lutheran in Aurelia.

James died Thursday, December 19, 2013 at the Sunset Knoll Care & Rehab Center in Aurelia following a battle with Alzheimer’s.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Jean of Aurelia, one son, David and his wife Mary Mills of Longboat Key, FL, one daughter, Sue Ireland of Aurelia, five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren: Jessica and husband Jonathan Ticku and their two sons, Jon James and Rishi, Sarah and husband Andy O’Dear, their son, Elijah and daughter, Sadie, Abigail and husband Olen McGhee, Lindsay and husband TJ Eagan, and John Ireland. Many other relatives and friends will cherish his memory.

Cards may sent to: Jean Mills, PO Box 121, Aurelia, IA 51005. Memorials will be donated to Alzheimer’s Research.