Dr. James K. McMillan,

Dr. James K. McMillan,

Independence

Dr. James K. McMillan, 59, of Independence, IA, died on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at his home surrounded by his family after a long fight with Lou Gehrig's disease. ALS sucks.

James “Jim” was born on September 24, 1964, in Oelwein, IA, the son of Robert W. and Elizabeth A. (Byrnes) McMillan. He grew up on a farm in Stanley, IA, where he learned the value of hard work at a young age. He worked on the farm picking strawberries, picking rocks out of the fields in the spring, and learning to care for livestock. While attending Oelwein High School, he was a well-rounded student and athlete. He enjoyed playing football and basketball. He excelled in basketball and was known as an outstanding competitor. In 1983, Jim graduated from high school and went on to attend Iowa State University. He loved his time at ISU and was a proud member of the Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity. Jim graduated with a bachelor’s degree in animal science in 1987. He would later return to ISU to study veterinary medicine. While attending veterinary school, Jim married Anne M. Edgington of St. Ansgar IA on June 9, 1990. In 1993, Jim achieved his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine, and went to work for the Stuart Veterinary Clinic in Stuart, IA. In 1994, Jim and Anne moved to Independence and Jim started working at the Winthrop Veterinary Clinic.

In 2022, Jim was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease. Jim loved his work, and proceeded to work until he was physically unable to continue. For over 25 years, Jim cared for countless animals in the Buchanan County area and many of his clients became very close friends. He was a lifelong Cyclone and Chicago Cubs fan. He was active in the community and his kids' school, sports and activities. He was most proud of his family and was an incredible husband, dad, brother and uncle. In his rare free time, he loved his yard and trees, fishing, and woodworking.

He is survived by his wife, Anne McMillan, Independence, IA, his children; Dr. Stephanie (Sam Callahan) McMillan, Bettendorf, IA, and Dr. Matthew McMillan, Independence, IA, his parents, Robert and Elizabeth McMillan, Stanley, IA, a sister, Janet (David) Smith, Mount Pleasant, IA, two brothers; Tom McMillan, Oelwein, IA, and John (Nancy) McMillan, Aurora, IA, his Father and Mother-in-law, Jack and Marilyn Edgington, St. Ansgar, IA, two brothers-in-law, Chris (Vanessa) Edgington, St. Ansgar, IA, and Tom (Melissa) Edgington, St. Ansgar, IA, his nieces and nephews; Hannah, Jared, Cole, Grant, Travis, Natalie, Alex, Elizabeth, Larissa, Bridgette, Samantha, and Abi, and countless friends.

Jim is preceded in death by his sister, Mary Ann McMillan.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Independence, IA, with burial at the Wilson Cemetery in Independence, IA. A Parish Vigil Service will be held at 3:00 PM on Tuesday, July 16th at the Reiff Family Center in Independence, IA, with visitation from 4 PM until 8 PM.

In lieu of flowers, please plant two trees in honor of Jim. A Memorial Fund has been established at Northeast Security Bank in Independence. Funds will be used to establish a scholarship in Jim’s memory.

To leave an online condolence please go to www.reifffamilycenter.com under obituaries.