I'm so sorry for your loss. I was a student in his art class at Kennedy in 1998/1999. I loved his class so much. He encouraged me to be creative and do my best. I remember him showing us Wallace and Gromit movies and I've been obsessed with them ever since; now sharing them with my children. He definitely made the world a better place. 💜
Jen Schares
November 2, 2025
Carla, I didn't know Joel, but I know he must have been a very special man to keep you smiling everyday, even when work was stressing you out! I'm so very sorry for your loss, and I will be praying for you now and later, too. May God bring you peace in this very sad time. Sending my love, Carole
Carole Martin
October 2, 2025
Joel = an insightful, innovative, ingenious artist who generously donated many of his creations to Franklin Middle School. His black & white drawings originated from attentive eyes.
Leon Lueck
October 1, 2025
So very sorry for your loss Carla.
Christina Carlson
September 30, 2025
Mr.McMillan was my art teacher at Franklin Jr High School. He was also in charge of the stage crew on many of the musicals. We would have so much fun as a group with him, his laid back demeanor and huge smile that made his mustache curl up at the corners of his mouth. He would walk up to “the gang” (stage crew) and always say, “Yellooow” instead of a hello. We would echo him in and he would just laugh. One production, we found a bottle of Bruit for Men that was used as prop. It became a running gag that he was a Bruit and one night he got “Bruit-ed” like they throw Gatorade on coaches at a game. He took it all in stride, laughing and even made a joke about how he wasn’t all that “bruit-y”. We all just laughed. I’m sure he went home smelling disgusting. He gave us so many life lessons during class, but many more during stage crew. Kindness. Gentleness. Christ in Action. Thank you for touching our lives and hearts Mr. McMillan.
Beckie M
September 25, 2025
I am so sad to hear of Joel’s passing. He was a friend of my parents, Bob and Jill Wilson. I haven’t seen him since my early childhood but even so he left a profound mark on me. I would like to share one of my earliest memories. I have no idea how old I was but I assume around 4 years old. Joel was visiting my parents and I was drawing a picture at the table. It was a picture of my house and I had drawn the sun in the corner of the paper with little rays coming off it. I remember him sitting next to me and going over my drawing with me. Remarking that I had drawn the sun in the corner of the paper and he was impressed that I had done it that way. His attention and praise in that moment has stuck with me for 40 years. Every time I have drawn the sun, always in the corner, I have thought of Joel. He was a sweet and thoughtful man. May his memory forever be a blessing. It certainly will be for me.
Rebecca Wilson Schwengber
September 24, 2025
I only knew Joel through his wife, my colleague and friend, Carla. What I know is the Joel had the most delightful and soothing voice. I loved calling their home if I knew Carla was out just so I could hear him say "Hello" and "Ill tell her you called". Rest in peace Joel - and do nothing for as long as you wish!
Joyce Stewart
September 24, 2025
Mr. McMillan’s drawing class was my first class on my first day of high school. He made a difference in the lives of his students. He made a point to teach us to draw once we learn how to see.
That was a very memorable lesson from taking his classes.
Thank you, Mr. McMillan.
Anonymous
September 23, 2025
I enjoyed Joel's love for art, he really respected my dad's work. I know he had high standards for his students and got quality work
Eugene S. pinney
September 22, 2025
Mr. McMillan, you were a favorite teacher of mine and certainly the most memorable. I will cherish my memories of you and I have many MC Escher books that always remind me of you. I regret not visiting you but that is something I have to live with. You played an important role in my young adult life, in school and at church. I will never forget you - NB
Nathan B
September 22, 2025