John “Johnnie” R. Mills left us on Sept. 7, 2016, to be with his family that he dearly missed after a lengthy battle with COPD, bronchitis and emphysema. Johnnie was born on Dec. 25, 1936, in Spearfish, S.D.

He was preceded in death by his father, John “Jack” M. Mills and mother Verna I. Mills of Pinehurst, Idaho; his brother, Gordon L. Mills and sister Devota “Doty” G. Lewis.

He is survived by his longtime friend, Shirley Ann “Sassy” and her daughters, Cheryl and husband Leon, her daughter, Carla; granddaughters, Brande and Nikki; great-grandchildren, Deaundre, Jakobie, Kari and Amara; son Kevin Mills, grandson Kyle, son Steve and wife Tami Mills, granddaughter Harli; grandson Brock, grandson Steven; great-grandson Hunter; great-granddaughter Jasmine; son John Moore “Ripper” Mills and wife Marie of Florida; daughter Dawn, a son, Jerry, and sister Diane; son Kevin Compton, and sister Christie Compton; nephews Royale “Mike” Mills and wife Lori and their daughters, Amanda, Megan and husband, Jesse and son John; Royce “Ike” Mills and wife Tanya and their daughter, Kaylynn and her daughter, Harley; his niece, Rose Marie Mills, her son, Stacey and his son, Elijah and daughter Torrance; daughter Brandi and her daughter, Shaley-Rae; brother-in-law Chet Hall, daughter Erica and son Brian and Johnnie’s God daughter, Kari.

Johnnie graduated from Kingston High School and attended North Idaho College. He also joined the Navy as a photographer. His greatest desire was to be a pilot, but that desire was lost due to an automobile accident. But he pursued his dream by studying and learning about aircraft. He had tremendous knowledge of aircraft. Anyone who knew Johnnie was well aware he was a perfectionist in everything he did. He was a gifted artist and his hobby was building model airplanes and trucks. Anyone who knew Johnnie grew to admire his precision and meticulous effort he displayed when building his models. He tried several careers after leaving the Navy, but finally chose the career of driving trucks, which lasted 39 years while driving for Inland Asphalt. Sadly, his career was cut short due to a stroke and heart surgery. His greatest joy was visiting with his buddies, friends and family. He greatly appreciated each of those friendships he built during the last 40 years of his life.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to either Children’s Village of Hayden, Newby-ginnings of Coeur d’Alene (Support for Veterans), Hospice of North Idaho, or an organization of your choice.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 16, 2016, at Yates Funeral Home, Coeur d’Alene Chapel. The burial service will follow at Shoshone Memorial Gardens. Please visit Johnnie’s memorial and sign his online guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.