Memorial service set for former Richmond City Council member James McMillan

This story was updated to reflect the new time of the memorial.

The city is mourning the death of former Richmond City Council member James McMillan, owner of the well-known McMillan Pharmacy from 1962 to 1995. McMillan died on Nov. 28, 2024. He was 97.

In a written statement, Richmond Mayor Eduardo Martinez described McMillan as “a pillar of our community, whose contributions as a local pharmacist and dedicated public servant have left an indelible mark on Richmond.”

The founder of the Richmond’s Black Americans for Political Action Committee, he was known as a tireless advocate for justice and equality, fighting against racism and excessive use of force within the Richmond Police Department, leading to significant reforms. His efforts were instrumental in establishing Richmond’s first police commission, to provide crucial oversight and accountability, Martinez said.

In a first-person story published on Radio Free Richmond, McMillan recalled his own first experience of being targeted for his race. He was taken to jail in the 60s’ in Richmond for running a stop sign that he couldn’t see in the dark.

He said an officer later told him: “I don’t know why you should be upset. (The arresting officer) was not treating you in that manner because you were colored. He thought you were white.” He recollected, “As if I was supposed to be pleased with that mistake; as though it was some honor for him to have mistaken me for white in the dark.”

A viewing is scheduled for Dec. 10 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Stewart Rose Funeral Home, 3331 Macdonald Ave. A memorial service will be held on Dec. 13 at 3 p.m. at the Richmond Memorial Auditorium, 403 Civic Center Plaza.