James Jim Robert Miller

James Robert Miller, 82, of Oriental, NC, passed away on October 13, 2015 of heart failure after a long and courageous battle against Parkinson’s. He was a loving husband, brother, uncle, and friend.

Jim was born in Detroit, Michigan on June 16, 1933 to William Herman and Rose Ellen Miller. He attended Precious Blood Elementary School, Catholic Central High School, and the University of Detroit. While growing up in Northwest Detroit, he made many friends that lasted his lifetime. For many years those friends met every Tuesday evening at a local bar, where, according to Jim, they attempted to solve the world’s problems. He was a veteran of the U. S. Navy, having served during the Korean War.

Jim retired from the State of Michigan, MESC, in 1996 after 32 years of employment and soon after moved to North Carolina with his wife to enjoy warm weather, good fishing and boating. His love of being near the water never wavered. Although he called North Carolina home for seventeen years, his affection for all things Michigan, especially the Great Lakes, endured throughout his life.

Mr. Miller is survived by his wife of 41 years, Mary Ellen, brother, Thomas (Gloria) Miller; sister, Bette Miller; sister-in-law, Derdria Miller; in-laws Lawrence (Dorothy) Kenney, Kathleen Kenney and Don Dixon; many nieces and nephews, and many friends, including best friend, Roy Casagrande. He was predeceased by his parents, his brother, William G, and his brother-in-law, Vincent J. Kenney.

A memorial service was held at St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church, Oriental, NC on Saturday, October 17, 2015. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Pamlico County, 13626 NC Hwy 55, Bayboro, NC 28515 or the American Parkinson’s Disease Association.

Interment will be in Great Lakes National Cemetery, Holly, Michigan

Arrangements by Cotten Funeral Directors, New Bern, NC