Jim Gilbert Mills, a retired president/CEO and former NCUAexaminer, died Monday.

He was 72.

Under his leadership, 3Rivers Federal Credit Union grew from $63million in assets to more than $400 million in assets when heretired in 2004 as president/CEO of the Fort Wayne, Ind.-basedcooperative.

“The 3Rivers family is saddened to learn of the passing of JimMills,” 3Rivers said in a prepared statement. “Mr. Mills was avisionary who helped lay the foundation for the growth andexpansion that 3Rivers has experienced over the years. It is aresult of his passion, dedication and commitment to the creditunion and its membership that has helped shape us into what we aretoday. His contributions and impact extend well beyond his 19 yearsas our CEO. On behalf of the entire 3Rivers team and membership, weextend our deepest sympathies to Mr. Mills' family.”

Mills launched his credit union career at the NCUA where heworked as an examiner for 19 years. After he retired from the $841million 3Rivers, he took a year off and returned to work as a vicepresident for the $1.3 billion Centra Credit Union in Columbus, Ind.

Mills (pictured at left) was elected to the NAFCU board ofdirectors in 1997 as Region IV director. From 2000 to 2003, he alsoserved as NAFCU's board chair.

“Jim Mills was an exceptional leader and dedicated credit unionadvocate. Throughout his term on the board and as chair, he helpedus advance credit unions and accomplish the 1998 Credit UnionMembership Access Act, landmark legislation that preservedmultiple-group charters for federal credit unions,” NAFCUPresident/CEO Dan Berger said. “Jim's contribution to theindustry and this association will be long remembered, and he willbe missed. NAFCU is grateful for his service.”

Mills is survived by his wife of 49 years, Kay Mills, childrenBrandon Mills and Heather Noyes, three grandchildren, sisterDelores Eskridge and twin sister Judy Trail.

Memorials may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Childrenin Chicago or the Heartland Hospice.