Posted on August 18, 2025 at 8:00 AM by Anna Egan
Dr. James (Jim) K. McMillan, affectionately known as "Doc" or "Doc McMillan" to countless 4-H families, began his 4-H journey in Fayette County in the 1970s. As a young 4-H’er, Doc's passion for agriculture and livestock shone brightly through his involvement in showing steers and completing a wide range of 4-H projects, laying the foundation for a lifetime dedicated to rural communities and animal care. His family, wife Anne, and children Stephanie and Matthew were involved in and are supporters of 4-H as well.
In 1983, Doc took his deep-rooted passion for agriculture to Iowa State University, where he earned his Animal Science degree before achieving his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine. In 1994, he returned home to nearby Buchanan County, fulfilling his dream of becoming a trusted veterinarian for the livestock and farm families in the area.
Beyond his remarkable skills as a veterinarian, Doc's true gift was his ability to connect with people, including young 4-H members. He took pride in teaching, encouraging, and mentoring clients and their kids as they navigated their 4-H journeys. His support and genuine care for animals and people created lasting memories for countless families, and his impact will be felt for generations to come.
Doc McMillan’s legacy is not only marked by his medical expertise but also by his unwavering commitment to food production, animal families, his community, and the 4-H ideals of head, heart, hands, and health. He leaves behind a legacy of service, compassion, and dedication to youth in agriculture that will forever be remembered. He leaves our community better than when he moved here, which was his lifelong goal of being a lasting contributor.
