Jeff "Bodean" Mills

Age 58 of Coal City, Illinois and formerly of Wilmington, Illinois died unexpectedly on Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at his home.

Born on May 23, 1966, in Joliet, Illinois Jeffrey is a son of Bonnie (nee Cooling) and the late Thomas Kane Mills. He grew up in Wilmington, where he received his education and graduated from Wilmington High School with the Class of 1985. Bodean began his career with Laborers Local #75 at Long Concrete in Wilmington and later transitioned to Brieser Construction, ultimately working with JM Electric.

Bodean was known for his generous spirit and dedication to the community, having volunteered as a firefighter with the Wilmington Fire Department and coaching girls travel softball for many years. In addition to holding the title of “Coach Jeffy” he was the embodiment of the phrase “Jack of all Trades,” always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. Remembered as ‘strong as an ox’, Bodean’s vibrant spirit could be summed up in words like bold, extraordinaire, magnificent, and certainly “The Man.” Witty and full of life, he could rarely keep a straight face, bringing smiles to those around him. He was not only a wonderful father but also a guiding light and father figure to many, leaving behind a legacy of love that resonated deeply with friends and family alike.

An avid lover of the outdoors, Bodean found joy in lake life and cherished time spent at the family home in Florida. He was a devoted dog dad to his beloved pets: Sophie, Diesel, Lilly, Zeke, and the late Zoey. His warmth, reliability, and strong character left a lasting impression on everyone he met.

Bodean's legacy as a true-life coach, embodied being a devoted husband, father, and papa, as well as best friend to many. He was not only a bonus dad to many but also a shining example of kindness and support. Whether it be in the Dunkin’ drive thru, around the lake community or at the kids school, Bodean will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His love and guidance will continue to resonate within the hearts of his family and friends.

Survivors include his mother, Bonnie of Wilmington; wife, Lyndsay; kids: Andrew (Sabrina) Glastetter, Nicholas (Sadey) Glastetter, Logan Mills, Jayda Mills (Aidan Kay), Ava Mills and Abigail Mills, and later in life a father figure to Austin (Alyssa) Fatlan and Christian (Faith) Matheny, as well as so many others; five grandchildren: Maverick, Kinsley, Taytum, Hayden and Harper; two brothers, Thomas “Cork” (Mira) Mills and Richard Mills; one sister, Cindi Mills (the late Bill Bailey); three uncles: Jerry (Kari) Mills, Dave (the late Yoshi) Cooling and John (Carrie) Cooling; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Greg and Kathy Hill; two sisters-in-law: Lisa Hill and Burgundy (Chuck) Lander; nieces and nephews: Nikki Mills, Becky (Jay) Erk, Tommy (June) Mills, Blake Mills, Cody (Anna) Mills, Jenny Mills (Jake Vance), Josh Bailey, Jeremy (Tori) Bailey, Madison Lander and Cameron Lander (Fiance’ Ashleigh Coster), and numerous great nieces and great nephews, as well as countless friends.

Jeff was preceded in death by his father, Thomas; one niece, Erika Bauermeister and two aunts, Terri Limbach and Bobbie (Harold) Hall.

The family will receive friends for a visitation at Reeves Funeral Home, 75 North Broadway (one block north of Illinois Route 113) in Coal City on Tuesday, September 17, 2024 between the hours of 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Cremation rites will be accorded at the conclusion of the visitation and a memorial service will follow Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home. Rev. Josh Miller from Assumption Catholic Parish will preside, and Jeff will be laid to rest in Braceville-Gardner Cemetery.

Preferred memorials may be made a gifts in Jeff’s memory to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland or to Megan’s Mission Foundation.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.ReevesFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Jeff’s memorial page online through social media.

Funeral and cremation services have been made under the direction and care of Reeves & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory in Coal City. (815-634-2125)