John M. Millar, 78, of Virginia Beach, Va., passed away peacefully at home, on Dec. 12, 2022, surrounded by his loving family.

John was born to the late John "Jack" N. Millar and Helen R. Millar. John spent his formative years in Danville, Pa., graduating as valedictorian from Danville High School in 1962. He earned a bachelor of arts degree from Cornell University, Ithaca, NY in 1966. Following graduation, John deferred his acceptance into Emory University Law School and enlisted in the US Army, completing Infantry Officer Candidate School in July 1967. After a tour of duty at Fort Riley, Kansas, he volunteered for service in Vietnam, arriving at the First Infantry Division (The Big Red One) in July of 1968. During his tour in Vietnam, he was awarded the Bronze Star, the Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Medal, and the Army Commendation Medal. For his joint operations with the Vietnamese Army, the Vietnamese government awarded John their Honor Medal and Gallantry Cross with Palm.

Following his honorable discharge from the U.S. Army, John attended the University of Virginia Graduate Business School (now known as the Darden School), graduating in June 1972 with a masters in business administration. At the University of Virginia, he met the love of his life, Mary Susan Hinson, a student of nursing. They were engaged the day after their first date and married two and a half months later, in January of 1971. John and Mary Susan were married for 52 years and have three daughters, Kristin, Kara and Anne.

John had a long and distinguished career in commercial real estate and shopping center development, beginning at Jordan Marsh Department Stores in Florida as Director of Market Research and Thalhimer's Department Stores in Virginia, where he was Regional Manager of the Tidewater area. In 1980, John began his career in commercial real estate with Goodman Segar Hogan, in Norfolk, Va. and in 1988 joined The Center Companies in Minneapolis, Minn. John was the Executive Vice President of mall management at General Growth Properties for the next 12 years. He also held Executive Vice President positions at Jones Lang LaSalle Retail in Atlanta, Ga. and Divaris Real Estate in Virginia Beach, Va. John volunteered numerous hours to professional organizations, including Urban Land Institute and International Council of Shopping Centers.

In retirement, John authored a book that had been in the making for over 50 years, "The Wars Among The Paines," a historical fiction about the Paine family and the effects of war on generations. The book was published in 2021. John enjoyed spending his time doting on his adored grandchildren, Campbell and Jack, lunching with beloved friends, following his favorite UVA and Penn State sports teams and relaxing in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Wintergreen, Va.

John is predeceased by his parents, Helen and Jack Millar; and his brother, Neil Millar.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Mary Susan Hinson Millar; his three incredible daughters, Kristin Millar Huber (David), Kara Millar Bowman (Joseph) and Anne Millar Wright (Charles). They were the delight of his life, as well as his precious grandchildren, Campbell Wright and Jack Bowman. He is also survived by his sister, Johanne Henrickson; his sister-in-law, Bonnie Millar, and his nieces and nephew.

A "Celebration of Life" will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 19, 2023, at the Cavalier Golf & Yacht Club, in Virginia Beach, Va. Online condolences may be made to the family at hdoliver.com.