Jacques James McMillen

Jacques James (Jake) McMillen (85), loving husband, devoted father, and a long-time resident of Kingwood, TX passed away early Easter morning, April 20, 2025. He was married for 63 years to the love of his life, Rose Marie. When they met and for the rest of their lives, they found dance brought them closer together. They traveled extensively both domestically and abroad. Jake and Rose were caught on more than one occasion by fellow travelers dancing on the street, in a restaurant, or popping into a garden venue, just to dance to a song they liked. Family and friends always noted how affectionate, caring, and committed they were to each other, their two sons, and to creating wonderful memories each and every day together. They were also very competitive when they were out fishing together, always trying to outdo the other with the first fish caught, the larger fish, more fish.

After graduating from Texas A&M in ’62 with a BS in Electrical Engineering, Jake went to work for Humble Oil & Refining Co., later Exxon, and worked for them for 17 years. He left Exxon in 1979 to work for several private oil companies as an executive in charge of pipeline operations. Later, he used his engineering expertise to become a residential home inspector, joined by his trusty assistant, Rose. He raised his sons to be problem solvers, always searching for innovative ways to fix or repair anything mechanical. His gifts were beyond measure.

Jake was born in Liberty, TX to Dewey and Blanche McMillen and was the seventh of ten children. As a boy, he survived a poisonous snake bite while picking up firewood and a broken arm after riding a bull his mother had told him explicitly not to ride. He became the first person in his family to earn a college degree, sporting strong skills with a slide rule, and was invited to join Eta Kappa Nu, the international Honor Society of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. He served as the executor of his parents’ estate, which he spent countless hours coordinating for his five sisters and four brothers. While most of his siblings have already passed, he is survived by one brother and one sister, two sons and their spouses, and three grandchildren.

For his entire life, Jake had a wonderful smile, a great sense of humor, and a casual optimism that made him a delight to be around. He will be missed greatly by family, friends, and all that knew him. Later this year, the family will host a celebration of both his and Rose’s lives.