Jim McMillan

Jimmy (Jim) McMillan passed away Tuesday, January 17, 2023, at his home in Crawford, Texas at the age of 87.  Memorial services will be 11:00 A.M.Tuesday, January 24, 2023, at Crawford First United Methodist Church with Rev. Kent Berry officiatig.  Inurnment will follow in Moody Cemetery with Masonic Honors under the ospices of Crawford Masonic Lodge, #585.  For those unable to attend, the service will be live streamed on this page.

Mr. McMillan was born March 22, 1935, in El Dorado, Arkansas, the son of the late Wade and Ive (Mayfield) McMillan.

. He served his country in the Army and was a dental and physician’s assistant. He

was honorably discharged, and he then completed his college education on the GI bill. He

received his bachelor's degree at Henderson State University and was a member of the

fraternity, Sigma TAU Gamma. After completing his Master’s degree in Criminal Justice at Sam

Houston University, he found his way to Gatesville, Texas. He worked at the State School and

it was there that he was introduced to Judy Donaldson. One blind date led to a whirlwind

romance and 4 months later, they were married on December 19, 1970. They were happily

married 41 years before her death in November 2011.

Jim worked for the McLennan County probation department for over 30 years; he was able to

help many people during his tenure. He and his family were residents of Moody, Texas for over

30 years. His kids attended Moody High School and he was an avid Moody Bearcat sports fan.

For 38 years, he was the “voice” of the Moody Bearcats.

After his wife's passing, Jim moved to Crawford in 2012 in order to be closer to his children and

grandchildren. Jim kept himself busy with volunteering at the Waco Salvation Army, working out

daily at the McGregor gym, and playing dominoes at the Crawford Senior Center—all while

becoming a committed attendant at the Crawford First United Methodist Church. After being

raised to a Master Mason in Arkansas in 1963, Jim went on to become a member of the Moody

Masonic Lodge #592 where he served as Chaplain for one year, and the Crawford Masonic

Lodge #585 where he received his 50 year pin.

Jim was the most faithful, honest, and loyal man. He was a beacon of strength during his wife’s

10 year battle with Ovarian cancer. He was devoted in every way and never left her side. He

was everybody’s “Poppy,” and he never met a stranger. A smile and a handshake, always, was

his greeting. He loved life, and appreciated living in this world. He was a constant in his family,

providing them with guidance and limitless love. Poppy will be sorely missed.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Wade and Iva McMillan, his wife Judy Donaldson

McMillan, and his sister-in-law, Mildred Jane Chaney Sterling. He is survived by daughter Heidi

and husband Brent Elmore, Millie and husband Henry Ward; his beloved grandchildren, Avery

Ward, Peyton Elmore, Brady Ward, and Laney Elmore; brother Charles McMillan, and his nieces

and nephews whom he loved so much. Kim and Michael James, Hal Donaldson, Marc and

Leanne Donalson, John Donalson, Michael and Alicia Chaney, Patrick and Lindsay Chaney, and

Spencer and Celina Chaney. Also survived by his brothers and sisters in law, Sonny and

Suzanne Donaldson, Kent and Dorothy Donaldson, and William Sterling.

Registry for Jim McMillan