Jimmie Rodgers Mills, a lifelong resident and businessman of Martinsville and Henry County, passed away Thursday, February 20, 2025. He was born October 25, 1936, to Lewis Reggie Mills and Betty Lee Hodges Mills. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Sidney Allen Mills and Lewis Donald Mills.
Jim had over 60 years in the automotive business as the Owner/Dealer of Jim Mills Lincoln-Mercury, Inc., Jim Mills Automotive, Inc., Jim Mills Nissan, Inc. Lester-Mills Pontiac, Inc., JEB Stuart Ford Mercury, Inc., Diamond Motors and Bassett Esso Service Center.
Jim was an organizing Director of Smith River Community Bank, N.A., served as Director of Smith River Bankshares, Director of River Community Bank, N.A. and Director of River Bankcorp, Inc. He was also a Charter Member of Thomasson Heights Baptist Church.
He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Margaret Draper Mills; sisters, Marguerite A. Mills and Elaine M. Burnett; son, Stephen Taylor Mills (Michelle Loggins Mills); granddaughter, Hannah Mae Mills; son, John Wesley Mills (Dawn T. Lawrence Mills); grandson, Wesley Taylor Mills and granddaughter, Lauren Alise Mills.
A Visitation will be held from 12 until 1 PM on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at Collins Funeral Home, 30 Riverside Hwy, Bassett, VA. A “Private Graveside Service” will be held in memory of Jim at their family cemetery.
Collins Funeral Home is respectfully serving the Mills family. Online condolences may be made at www.collinsmckeestonebassett.com
