James MacMillan Obituary

James "Jim" MacMillan, a beloved father, grandfather, uncle and friend born on December 9, 1935, in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, peacefully passed away on February 1, 2024, in Lakehills, Texas, at the age of 88. He was the son of the late John Bernard and Evelyn Frances MacMillan, growing up in the Boston area under the care of his three aunts, Margaret, Isabelle, Olive, and his grandmother Catherine (Nana). Jim graduated in 1953 from St. Columbkille School in Brighton, Massachusetts before beginning his military career.

Jim dedicated 20 years of his life to the United States Air Force. He served in various locations such as New York, Florida, Alaska and Texas, and overseas duty stations in Greenland, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Thailand. His Air Force journey began in the security police and concluded with a position at the Armed Forces Radio and Television Service. Following his retirement, a new chapter unfolded as he explored his passion for entertainment.

Jim ventured into the world of radio, showcasing his talent at KITE and KBUC radio in San Antonio, Texas before the family relocated to Lakehills, Texas. A move back to the northeast in the mid-80s allowed him to fulfill his childhood dream - becoming the DJ for a local radio station in South Jersey. Jim also became a member of the Sea Isle City Players theatre group, performing in various locations throughout South Jersey and even gracing the off-Broadway stage in 2006 in the play "Social Security."

Throughout his 20-year radio career in South Jersey, Jim became a familiar voice on WCMC AM 1230 in Wildwood, New Jersey, delivering local news, sharing heartwarming moments, engaging in music trivia, and delighting listeners with over 1,400 pounds of fudge given out as prizes, all while playing unforgettable hits. As Jim would say at the end of every radio show, "Hug somebody, it will make you feel good."

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, and his two brothers, John and Timothy MacMillan. He is survived by his sister, Edna Kober (Bill). He is also survived by his former wife, Lila Ward, and their children: James (Nancy), John (JoAnne), Jennifer (George), Joseph (Sheri), and Jill (Tony). Jim's memory lives on in his grandchildren Jimmy (Sarah), Christine, Tyler, Megan, Cassidy, Joshua (Audree), Jeremy (Laurel), Jennifer, Jessica, Alyssa, Isabella, and his 13 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Interment to honor Jim's life will take place at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Road, San Antonio, Texas 78209, on March 7, at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation to https://savethemanatee.org/, one of Jim's favorite charitable organizations.