James A. MacMillan

James A. MacMillan, 87, of Nashua, NH died Tuesday March 29, 2011.

He was born August 20, 1923, in Groton, MA, son of the late John and Bernice (Marshall) MacMillan.

Mr. MacMillan worked as a licensed Master Plumber for a number of local firms, the last being Granite State Plumbing in Weare, NH.

Mr. MacMillan was a veteran of the United States Marines Corps. During World War II, he served in the Pacific theater with the 2nd Marine Division during the amphibious landings at Tarawa, Saipan, Tinian and Okinawa, and the occupation of Nagasaki, Japan, shortly after the detonation of the atom bomb and Japan’s surrender. While serving with the 2nd Marine Division he was awarded a bronze star and Purple Heart for his service during the 1st wave of the amphibious assault at Tarawa, November 20, 1943. Mr. MacMillan was also awarded four bronze battle stars and his unit was awarded a Presidential Citation for outstanding performance in combat.

Mr. MacMillan was predeceased by his beloved wife of 53 years, Jacqueline “Jackie” (McKelvey) MacMillan and four sons, Donald, Michael, Leslie and Gary. He is survived by sons Richard MacMillan and his wife Josey of Hollis, NH; Charles MacMillan and his wife Brigitte of Nashua; Robert MacMillan of Nashua, daughters Cheryl MacMillan of Cleveland, TN; and Jacqueline MacMillan of Allen, Texas. He is also survived by grandchildren Josephine MacMillan of Berkeley, CA, Donald MacMillan and his wife Shannon of Hollis, NH; Sonya MacMillan of Nashua, NH; Jacqueline Reyes and Michael Reyes of Allen, Texas. Mr. MacMillan also leaves four great-grandchildren.

Survivors include one brother and sister-in-law, Donald MacMillan and his wife Trudy, of Shirley, MA, three sisters and two brothers-in-law, Marie Lundeen, of Maryland, Martha Rettenberg and her husband Richard, of Shirley, MA; and Dorothy Gray and her husband Raymond, of Athol, MA. In 2003, Mr. MacMillan married the former Mary Hayes. She resides in Nashua. A private service was held.