Jim was born on February 22, 1938 in Greensburg, Indiana to Carl H. and Goldia Mae (Williams) Miller. Jim spent his childhood helping on the family farm outside of New Point, Indiana and graduated from New Point High School in 1956. During his teen years he moved to Koshkonong, Missouri to help his father run a cattle ranch where he met the love of his life, Harriett Leonie Reynolds. They married on May 30, 1956 and had two children, Rhonda and Clinton.
Jim was a legendary cowboy - a cattle rancher who loved working cattle and horses and training and driving his teams of mules. He also worked as an over the road truck driver hauling boxes from coast to coast, for the United States Military. He and his wife Harriett were the “power couple” of truck driving and earned a number of awards for safety and excellence over the years.
Upon retirement, Jim enjoyed traveling in his motorhome, spending time with his family, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He and his beloved Harriett would routinely set the dance floor on fire when country western music was playing, and loved to play cards and games. An avid reader, he enjoyed discussing history, particularly Western American History and World War II. As a member of the Indiana Wagon Train Association, he enjoyed working his teams of mules on the farm and participating in wagon train rides. Jim was also a member of the Sandcreek Baptist Church where he enjoyed singing in the choir and was currently serving as a Deacon.
Jim, affectionately called “Gramps,” will be greatly missed by his family and is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Harriett, and their two children Rhonda (Dale) Starke, Greensburg, IN and Clinton (Beth) Miller, Greensburg, IN; Grandchildren, Rachel (Neil) Sullivan, Osgood, IN, Sayward (Carl) Fry, Columbus, IN, Mollie (Kevin) Fry, Greensburg, IN, Jason (Kierstyn) Miller, Greensburg, IN, Michelle (Justin Iverson) Miller, Greensburg, IN, and Megan Miller, West Lafayette, IN; and Great Grandchildren, Sophia, Neil, and Jakob Sullivan, Ainsley and Hattie Fry, Annabelle, Lillian, and Emma Fry, Luella and Daniel Miller.
Also surviving are siblings, Arlene (Jack) Parker, Batesville, IN, Peggy (Joseph) Weil, Edgewood, KY, Dyar (Bertha) Miller, Indianapolis, IN, Douglas (Beth Ann) Miller, Greensburg, IN, and Susan (Daniel) Hahn, Greensburg, IN. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Lowell Miller and Larry Miller.
A visitation for family and friends will be held at the Gilliland-Howe Funeral Home on Tuesday, Sep 6 from 5-7 p.m. A funeral service at Gilliland Howe on Wednesday, Sep 7 at 10:30 a.m., with Reverend Harold Carter and Lay Leader Doug Brougher presiding. Burial will follow at the Smyrna Lutheran Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to the Sandcreek Baptist Church, Smyrna Lutheran Cemetery, or to Margaret Mary Hospice. Online condolences can be made to the family at www.gilliland-howe.com.
