James "Brennie" Brennan Mills

James “Brennie” Brennan Mills, 95, previously from Midland, passed away quietly on the morning of July 26, 2024 at his son Leo’s in Mt. Savage. He was the son of the late Joseph Mills and Nellie (McGowan) Mills. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of over 60 years, Ann L (Kenny) Mills.

He leaves his loving son, Leo J. Mills and wife Kathy of Mt. Savage who took care of him till the end and daughter, Brenda A. (Mills) Preston and husband Carey of Swanton; three grandchildren, whom he thought the world of, Sarah A. (Preston) Morgan and husband Terry and their three girls, Corey D. Preston and wife Sara and Angela Mills. He had three great-grandchildren who entertained him late in life, Chase A. Preston, Laken A. Preston, and Ava L. Mills. 

He had a wonderful sense of humor. He was a lifelong member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, where he enjoyed playing pranks on the Sisters of St. Joseph. He also worked there for several years as a custodian after retiring from Kelly Springfield as a tire builder. He and a few other parishioners took care of the cemetery, which he was so proud of.

He served in the U.S. Navy aboard the U.S.S. Putnam and was a proud member of the American Legion. He enjoyed hunting squirrels and deer with his brother, Joe and brother-in-law, Mike Kenney. He and Ann spent a lot of time camping at Little Brown Lake with Ann’s family and his twin sister, Bernadette, and husband Charles “Murph” Murphy. He enjoyed watching the wildlife from Leo and Kathy’s upstairs windows and looked forward to his visits at Brenda and Carey’s home at Deep Creek Lake.

Special thanks to Doc and Kay Kenny, Edna Fair, Paul Kenny, Ellen Whetstone, Jack Baker, and Betty Ann Stanton, who all helped take care of our parents and tended to their needs for many years in Midland. We are also very thankful for the wonderful care and compassion given by UPMC Western Maryland Hospice.

A memorial mass will be held on Monday, August 5, 2024 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Midland at 10:00 AM with Fr. Ed Hendricks as celebrant. Family and friends will be received one hour prior. Inurnment will take place at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery, Midland and military rites will be accorded.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations are asked to be made to UPMC Western Maryland Hospice at 1050 West Industrial Boulevard, Suite 19, Cumberland, MD 21502.