Lasting Memories

Oden James McMillan
March 8, 1944-Jan. 20, 2026
Sacramento, California

Obituary for Oden James McMillan

Oden James McMillan (OJ) was born on March 8, 1944, in Trenton, New Jersey. He passed away on January 20, 2026, in Sacramento, California, surrounded by family.

OJ grew up in New Jersey and Maryland, and was a gifted student. He studied mechanical engineering at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, Georgia, and near the end of his time there, met and fell in love with Gene Anna Sparks, and were married soon after. OJ and Gene Anna were deeply devoted to one another, forming a formidable team throughout their life together, and it was clear to all who knew them that they were each other’s favorite person. They were preparing to celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary this August.

OJ studied mechanical engineering, first at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, Georgia, and then at Stanford for his PhD. After completing his studies at Stanford, they spent five years in Detroit, Michigan, where OJ got his first job, working for General Motors. They moved back to Palo Alto in 1975. He worked for 15 years as a mechanical engineer, and then shifted to software engineering in the early 1980s, despite having no formal training in computer technology. He worked for several software companies for the last 20 years of his working career.

OJ was a dedicated, conscientious, and caring father to his three sons. They knew they could always turn to him for help. Dependability was one of his defining virtues; if OJ said he would do something, it was as good as done. When one of his sons was admitted at Stanford Hospital for a prolonged stay, OJ was there daily, like clockwork, sometimes twice a day. He was a volunteer coach for several of his children’s soccer teams and made every effort to attend as many of their sporting events as possible. His start as a soccer coach was classic OJ – an AYSO team needed a coach and he stepped up, despite never having played the game himself. Once committed, he did what he always did: prepared diligently, tried different strategies, and learned from his mistakes.

OJ was an exceptional listener — not someone merely waiting for his turn to speak, but someone who truly heard what you had to say and followed up with thoughtful and insightful questions. His listening skills contributed to his quick wit, and you never knew when he might deliver one of his patented zingers. He also had a strong “bullshit meter” and lived by one of his signature phrases, often shared with his sons: “Actions speak louder than words.” Through his words and, more importantly, his example, OJ was a positive role model — as a father, a husband, and a man.

One of OJ and Gene Anna’s greatest joys was being devoted grandparents. They treasured getting to know their five grandchildren, spending meaningful time with them, and forming strong, lasting bonds. Some of their favorite moments were the weeks when the grandchildren came to Chico in the spring or summer, filling the days with trips to parks, art projects, hours in the pool, and the always glorious “quiet time” in the afternoon.

Above all, OJ was happiest when he was spending time with family and friends — sharing a meal and stories, and simply being together. He was always welcoming to the friends his family brought into his life, a generosity made all the more impressive given some of the colorful characters his sons occasionally introduced.

When Gene Anna (a teacher in Palo Alto) and OJ retired, they chose to move from Palo Alto to Chico, California, where son Matt and his wife Stacy were living with their growing family. Ready for a slower pace of life, they made Chico their home for the next twenty-one years. They thrived there, enjoying the warm weather, walks in Bidwell Park, time spent in their pool, the abundance of local farmers’ markets, and the easily accessible live music.

Oden was preceded in death by his father, Oden Luther McMillan, and his mother, Eleanor McMillan. He is survived by his wife, Gene Anna, and by his sons Matt McMillan ( Stacy), Dan McMillan (Jill), and Gabe McMillan (Shawna); his grandchildren, Maddy, Seamus, Anna, Jack, and Henry; his sister, Jerri; and his cherished granddogs, Sophie, Louie, and Luna. A gathering is planned in his honor in March.