James Leroy Mills passed away at his home in Apache Junction on February 27, 2026. He was born in Detroit, Michigan on December 29, 1928 and grew up in a town outside of Detroit. He served on the Navy Submarine USS Sea Leopard as a Quarter Master Petty Officer 2nd Grade from 1948-1952. He moved to Riverside, California, where he met and married Annabelle Peterson in 1954. They just recently celebrated their 72nd Wedding Anniversary. They moved to Apache Junction, Arizona in 2015. He served as an Elder at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Riverside, California and at Mt. View Lutheran Church in Apache Junction. He is survived by his wife, Annabelle, 3 children, 6 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.
Gifts to be sent to Mountain View Lutheran Church, 2122 S Goldfield Rd, Apache Junction, AZ 85119.
Dear Annabelle, family and friends of James,
On behalf of the United States Submarine Veterans, we offer our sincere condolences at James´s passing. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. We are always saddened whenever a fellow “Bubblehead” departs on Eternal Patrol. He served with honor on the USS Sea Leopard SS-483.
To our “Brother-of-the-Phin” we say, “Sailor, rest your oar. We have the watch. Fair Winds and Following Seas.” Thank you for your service to our country.
Annabelle and family… “may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you.” 2 Thessalonians 3:16 (ESV).
Jim Sandman, FTC(SS) Ret,
National Chaplain, USSVI
http://www.jimsandman.com
Dear Annabelle, family and friends of James,
On behalf of the United States Submarine Veterans, we offer our sincere condolences at James´s passing. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. We are always saddened whenever a fellow “Bubblehead” departs on Eternal Patrol. He served with honor on the USS Sea Leopard SS-483.
To our “Brother-of-the-Phin” we say, “Sailor, rest your oar. We have the watch. Fair Winds and Following Seas.” Thank you for your service to our country.
Annabelle and family… “may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you.” 2 Thessalonians 3:16 (ESV).
Jim Sandman, FTC(SS) Ret,
National Chaplain, USSVI
http://www.jimsandman.com