James "Jim" Lee McMillan

November 13, 1950 — April 22, 2025

Dr. James Lee McMillan, Jr. (Jim) passed away on the afternoon of April 22, 2025, at Ogeechee Area Hospice in Statesboro, Georgia. Jim was born on November 13, 1950, in McRae, Georgia. He is survived by his twin daughters Caroline Hampton Preston McMillan and Margaret Coleman Ross McMillan (Jason Hamrin) and sister Sandra McMillan Powell (Bobby Powell).

Jim was preceded in death by his wife of 32 years, Caroline Hampton Lowndes Mann McMillan, and his parents, James Lee McMillan, Sr. and Geraldine Mathis of Macon, Georgia.

Jim was drafted into the military during the Vietnam War, and he chose to serve in the Navy. He spent seven years in the service as an electrician, five of which were on the USS L. Mendel Rivers, a nuclear-powered, Sturgeon-class attack submarine. After his time in the Navy, he earned his bachelor’s degree from Georgia Southern University and his doctorate from Auburn University. He went on to teach Exercise Science at Georgia Southern for almost thirty years, serving as department chair toward the end of his tenure there and retiring as professor emeritus.

Jim remained active throughout his life and enjoyed racquet sports, weightlifting, and especially golf. His active lifestyle did not prevent him from enjoying his favorite food, a cone of soft-serve vanilla ice cream. Reading was his lifelong passion, and his favorite stories were British mysteries.

When asked, Jim said his proudest accomplishment in life was staying married to the same person for over thirty years, until Caroline’s untimely passing in 2017, and raising his wonderful twin girls. On life philosophies, Jim once said, “never stop learning, always be open to new ideas, and try to expand the world in which you live.”

The family would like to acknowledge the exceptionally kind and capable care Jim received from the Ogeechee Area Hospice team, both at home and at the Nancy Bryant Hospice House. They were a blessing to Jim and his family. The family is also grateful for the many friends who offered their care and support.

The service will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church, 4401 Country Club Road, Statesboro, Georgia, on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 2 p.m., followed by a Reception at the church. There will be a private graveside service at Scotland Cemetery in Scotland, Georgia at a later date.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Jim’s memory to Ogeechee Area Hospice, 200 Donehoo Street, Statesboro, Georgia, 30458.

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