James M. McMillan

James M. McMillan, 71, of Cavalier, ND, passed away Tuesday, January 12, 2016 at his home. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, January 16, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Brigid of Ireland Catholic Church, Cavalier. Visitation will be Friday, January 15th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. vigil service at the church. Burial will be held in the St. Brigid's Catholic Cemetery.
James was born July 14, 1944 at Langdon, ND to William and Gertrude ( Nowatzki) McMillan. He grew up and attended school in Cavalier. On July 31, 1965, he married Patty Kochendorfer at Pembina, ND.
During his life, Jim worked in auto body, drove a wrecker, and worked at Motor Coach Industries in Pembina. His handiness included restoring a 1965 Chevy pickup and being able to do his own vehicle repairs and maintenance. He also enjoyed mowing grass, blowing snow, and just being a handyman. Jim always liked to be busy doing something. Motorcycling was also a passion of his and he also enjoyed watching football, T.V, and some movies. He was a member of the Valley Cruisers Car Club and AA with 35 years of sobriety.
Jim was very active in the St. Brigid's Catholic Church doing maintenance, being an altar server for the past 10 years, and almost never missing daily Mass for the last few years. He had a love for people and could visit anyone from children to adults. Jim loved life and often quoted "I love life, life is good!"
Survivors include his wife Patty; siblings: RoseAnn Winkler, Cavalier, ND, Jane (Sidney) Laxdal, Miniota, MB, Helen (Dennis) Bachand, Warroad, MN, Raymond McMIllan, Cavalier; sister-in-law, Susan (Don) Dimsha; brother-in-law, Rich Kochendorfer; many special nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death were his parents and sister, Gloria Wirtz.