Memorial
Jack E. Mills, 90 of Cedar Rapids died at his home on Saturday March 18, 2017. Memorial services at 1:00 PM on Saturday at the Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories. Inurnment with military rites in Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery. Friends may call the Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home from 4 to 7 PM on Friday.
Survivors include two sons; Daniel of Marion, and Mark (Karen) of Ames; three daughters Jody (Steven) Caldwell of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Susan (Bryan) Sachs of Baltimore, Maryland, Kelly Kunc of Cedar Rapids; and one sister Aileen Estrem of Oklahoma. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren; Erin, Michael, Zach, Jacob, Madison, Jason, Travis, Mitchell, Jarod, Molly, Samantha, Kerry, and Cody; 10 great grandchildren and his significant other Odette Welton and her family; Mike, Linda, Suzanne and their children. He was preceded in death by his wife, a son Michael, and a grandson Shawn.
Jack was born on January 23, 1927 in Flint, Michigan the son of Elwyn and Iva Travis Mills. He married Helen G. Green in 1946 in Cedar Rapids. Helen passed away in 1993.
Jack was a Cedar Rapids police officer from 1951 until 1963. He was Policeman of the year with the CRPD in 1956. During his law enforcement career in Cedar Rapids he climbed the KGAN Tower to talk a person down who attempted suicide.
In 1963, he was appointed by the JFK Administration as a deputy US Marshall for the Northern District of Iowa. As a US Marshall he served at “The Chicago Seven trial” and participated in the witness protection program that included members of the Mafia. He also served in the south during the racial tensions of the 60s. He retired in 1983 after serving 20 years in the Marshall Service, the last 6 years as Chief Deputy US Marshall. Jack later worked in maintenance manager at Brucemore for several years.
Jack was a member of LADOS and Widow and Widowers. He was part of the “Greatest Generation” and proudly served in the US Navy as a seaman during WWI I. From 1942-1945 he served on a light cruiser, the USS Santa Fe.
Jack was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend whose memory will be cherished by all who knew and loved him.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the Cedar Rapids Policeman’s Association.