Mr. Jasper Lee Mills, Jr., 67, of Cameron, North Carolina entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at UNC Healthcare in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Jasper Lee Mills Jr. was born on January 12, 1958, in New Haven Connecticut, moved onto his eternal home on September 17, 2025, in North Carolina Chapel Hill after succumbing to his battle  with cancer. He was the beloved son of Jasper Lee Mills Sr. and Minnie Richards (formally known as Minnie Gibson)

“Jazz”, “Jap” or “Jr.” as he was affectionately known, was a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him. His journey on this earth was one marked by love, compassion,  and unwavering faith in God. His passing has left a void in the hearts of his family, friends, and many more whose lives were touched by him. We ask that you remember him not for the way his  life ended, but for the way it was lived, and for the profound impact it had on the lives of those who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Jasper is survived by his loving children, Jasper (Kesherise) Mills III, Yolanda Mills and Alexis Duntz; his ex-wife who was married to him for nearly 50 years, Marcia Mills; his sisters Sheila (Bobby) Corbett, Carolyn (Herman) Saunders, Corrine (Kirk) Gildon, Wanda Mills, Cora Kelley, Toni (Thomas aka Jerome) Harris, his brother William (Jackie) Mills and his sister-in-law  Donna Mills. Jasper was the cherished grandfather of Edwin Lee Mills and Lennox Lee Mills (who he helped to raise and served as a father figure in their lives), Jasper Lee Mills IV, Kaserra Evon Mills and Jaylen Anthony Mills. He also leaves behind aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, cousins and friends who adored him dearly and shared in his joyful spirit.

Jasper attended West Haven High School where he met Marcia, who he would eventually marry. He played the cornerback position for the West Haven Blue Devils and although he was one of the smallest players on the varsity football team, he was voted team captain by his teammates and coaches in 1975. He always said that what he lacked in size he made up for in heart and work ethic. He shared his love and knowledge of the game with his son, his nephews, his grandsons and the youth in the community where he resided while serving as a football coach for Hamden Pop Warner Football and Hamden Youth Director for a number of years.

After his graduation from West Haven High School, Jasper attended college at Albertus Magnus and several trade schools. Jasper also served his county by enlisting in the Marine Corp where  he was stationed at Paris Island in South Carolina before he was ultimately honorably discharged. Jasper was eventually employed by Pratt & Whitney, United Technologies as a mechanic  and machine tech. He worked for Pratt & Whitney for over 30 years prior to his retirement and was president of his labor union.

Jasper and Marcia raised their family in New Haven and Hamden Connecticut before moving to North Carolina later in life where Jasper was hired as a maintenance tech with the Moore County School District.

Jasper also enjoyed his annual white water rafting trips, participating in the New Haven Bed Race, skiing, going on long motorcycle rides, attending family reunions and events, attending sporting  events (he was an avid New York Giants and Yankees fan), New Haven Pizza (Pizza House was his favorite), spending time with family and friends and traveling the world. Jasper would go on  worldwide adventures with his brother Willie Mills traveling to several international locations including but not limited to Europe and China (where he loved the soup). Prior to his passing, Jasper was able to travel to Africa with his family, a trip that he talked about to everyone who would listen. He was also able to support both his niece Whitney and his sister Corrine at their respective  weddings.

Those who knew Jasper will remember him for his infectious smile and personality, positive energy and willingness to help his family and friends. Those who knew Jasper also knew that he accepted Christ in his life prior to his passing and looked forward to spending eternity with Jesus and his mother.

Although Jasper's physical presence may no longer grace our lives, his spirit will continue to inspire and uplift us. May his memory be a blessing, and may we carry forth his legacy of love and  compassion in all that we do. As you continue to worship Jesus up there, your light will forever shine brightly in our hearts.

Jasper’s eternal life with Christ and his mother began on September 17, 2025. The family is currently making plans for his Celebration of Life Service (to include military honors) and reception  back in his native New Haven, Connecticut. Further details will be shared soon. 

Connecticut Arrangements are handled by Howard K. Hills Funeral Services-New Haven CT
North Carolina Arrangements are handled by McLeod Funeral Home-Sanford NC

Please keep the family and friends of Mr. Jasper Lee Mills, Jr. in your thoughts and prayers. 

Arrangements are entrusted to McLeod Funeral Home of Sanford, North Carolina.