Jim Gilbert Mills, a retired president/CEO and former NCUA examiner, died Monday.
He was 72.
Under his leadership, 3Rivers Federal Credit Union grew from $63 million in assets to more than $400 million in assets when he retired in 2004 as president/CEO of the Fort Wayne, Ind.-based cooperative.
“The 3Rivers family is saddened to learn of the passing of Jim Mills,” 3Rivers said in a prepared statement. “Mr. Mills was a visionary who helped lay the foundation for the growth and expansion that 3Rivers has experienced over the years. It is a result of his passion, dedication and commitment to the credit union and its membership that has helped shape us into what we are today. His contributions and impact extend well beyond his 19 years as our CEO. On behalf of the entire 3Rivers team and membership, we extend our deepest sympathies to Mr. Mills’ family.”
Mills launched his credit union career at the NCUA where he worked as an examiner for 19 years. After he retired from the $841 million 3Rivers, he took a year off and returned to work as a vice president for the $1.3 billion Centra Credit Union in Columbus, Ind.
Mills (pictured at left) was elected to the NAFCU board of directors in 1997 as Region IV director. From 2000 to 2003, he also served as NAFCU’s board chair.
“Jim Mills was an exceptional leader and dedicated credit union advocate. Throughout his term on the board and as chair, he helped us advance credit unions and accomplish the 1998 Credit Union Membership Access Act, landmark legislation that preserved multiple-group charters for federal credit unions,” NAFCU President/CEO Dan Berger said. “Jim’s contribution to the industry and this association will be long remembered, and he will be missed. NAFCU is grateful for his service.”
Mills is survived by his wife of 49 years, Kay Mills, children Brandon Mills and Heather Noyes, three grandchildren, sister Delores Eskridge and twin sister Judy Trail.
Memorials may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children in Chicago or the Heartland Hospice.
