James "Precious" McMillan Sr.

Mr. James “Precious” McMillan, Sr. went home to be with the Lord Wednesday, November 28, 2012 at Covenant Hospital under the diligent care of his doctors and nursing staff and surrounded by his family. The 8th born of 17 siblings, he was born September 30, 1930 in Benoit, Mississippi to the late Grant and Lillie (Johnson) McMillon. Precious, as he was affectionately called, moved to Saginaw, Michigan at the age of 19 years old. He accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior in 1956 at the Friendship Baptist Church and later joined Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of his brother, the late Rev. Willie McMillon. He was well known throughout Saginaw for owning and operating McMillan Photo Studio in downtown. His favorite past times were cooking, fishing and spending time with family. He leaves to cherish his memory: six children, Delphine Hopkins, James R. (Ola) McMillan, Michelle (Fred) Burks, Karla D. Smith of Saginaw, MI, James McMillan, Jr. of Memphis, TN and Rebbecca McMillan of Norcross, GA; former spouse, Kay McMillan; three sisters, Vera McMillon and Clairee Sanders, both of Saginaw, MI and Dortha McMillon of Grand Rapids, MI; five brothers, Clinton McMillon, Joel (Earlease) McMillon, all of Saginaw, MI; Charles (Sandy) McMillon and John McMillon, both of Kalamazoo, MI and Roosevelt (Delores) McMillon of Bartlett, TN; 16 grandchildren, Kim, Andre and Nekeia Star Hopkins, Kevin and Pharrington (Shayla) Maxey, Justin and Jalen McMillan, Brennan, Kennedy and Armand Burks, Ashton McMillan, Precious and Elliot Smith, De’Quawn McMillan and twins Zion and Israel Davis; 8 great-grandchildren, DreMonte Hopkins, Dion Meeks, NeAsia and Nevaeh Hopkins, Bryan, Brandon and Braylon Maxey and Makenzie Rowland; a host of nieces and nephews; one sister-in-law, Tina McMillon of Saginaw, MI; extended family and a special friend, Tasha Clark. He was preceded in death by his father, Grant McMillon, Sr.; mother, Lillie Johnson-McMillon; six brothers, Wilburt, Grant, Willie, Sr., T.J., Gillard and baby McMillon; two sisters, Catherine and Geralene; and a great-granddaughter, Brea J’Nay Maxey. Funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 5, 2012 at Mt. Nebo Baptist Church, 1111 N. 29th Street. Pastor Willie Hill, Jr. will officiate with interment in Forest Lawn Cemetery. Friends may call at the Evans & Browne's Funeral Home, 441 N. Jefferson Ave., on Tuesday from 2:00 until 8:00 p.m.

James "Precious" McMillan Sr.

September 30, 1930 - November 28, 2012