James M. Miller

James “Marty” Miller age 75 from Dayton, Ohio passed away following a seven month battle with metastatic melanoma on November 14, 2013 in Evansville, Indiana. Those who have known and worked with Marty know he did it “My Way” with great courage, commitment and determination. However, as Marty often stated “Time Kills All Deals”.

Marty was born November 23, 1937 in Parsons, KS. He was the third of six children born to Dr. Charles and Mary Alice Miller. Marty loved growing up in Parsons and shared several fond memories of the close friendships made that continued until his death. Marty attended Chaminade College Prep School in St. Louis, MO where he continued to grow his network of friends. He continued his education at the University of Dayton where he earned his Bachelor’s degree and MBA. In addition to his formal education during these years, Marty formed long lasting friendships with his Frank Street and Stonemill roommates.

Marty served in the U.S. Air Force. He worked as Contract Administrator for UD Research Institute, before joining his brother, Gerry, at Miller Valentine Group, in charge of Real Estate Development and Sales for the rest of his career.

During his career he served on the board of numerous organizations – St. Elizabeth Hospital, Womanline, Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce, Victoria Theatre Assn., Dayton Economic Development Coalition, St. Leonard’s, United Way, United Rehabilitation Services, Alzheimer’s Assn. and NAIOP (National President, 1980/81).

Marty is survived by his wife of 51 years, Dottie, his son Mark (Jenny) Miller, daughter in law Pene Miller daughter Amy (Matt) Kolleck. He is also survived by six grandchildren (Samantha Johnson Miller, Geoff, Patrick and Sean Miller and Trey and Kelly Kolleck). He is survived by his five siblings (Charles Miller S.M., Gerald (Carole) Miller, Jane (Jim) VanLeeuwen, Stephen Miller (friend Wendy) and Vincent (Sharon) Miller. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Marty was preceded in death by his son, Kevin and sister-in-law, Sheila.

Marty and his family spent 27 years with good friends at their summer get-a-way at Indian Lake. Marty and Dottie also loved spending their winters in Grand Cayman, BWI where Marty served as Chairman of the Board of Directors for their condo association for several years. Marty was a member of the Sovereign Old Boys who met on the beach nightly to watch the sun set and solve the world’s problems. Marty enjoyed dining out and developed many friendships during his 30+ years vacationing and living in Cayman. Marty had a hobby of trying new hobbies – about one every decade including tennis, sailing, water-skiing, wind surfing, biking, scuba diving and golf. He was a diligent student but never hit pro status in any of his endeavors.

Marty and his family are most grateful for the excellent care he received from the Deaconess Health System (Evansville, IN) during the past seven months including Drs. Kolleck, Braden, Frazier, and Taylor as well as Deaconess Hospice Services. We also appreciate the staff and therapists at Hamilton Pointe, especially his PT Ellen who kept him strong and on his feet so we could enjoy this extra time with him. Marty was aware of his large community of support over the past seven months and the family would like to thank all the extensive friends and family who supported us during this difficult time.

The family will receive friends from 3pm-7pm on Friday, November 29th at Tobias Funeral Home – Far Hills Chapel, 5471 Far Hills Ave., Dayton, OH 45429. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30am on Saturday, November 30th at Church of the Incarnation, 55 Williamsburg Lane, Dayton, OH 45459.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Dayton Foundation c/o Marty Miller Charitable Legacy Fund, 40 North Main Street, Suite 500, Dayton, OH 45423 to be shared among his charitable interests and organizations he served through the years in Dayton and Evansville. On line condolences may be sent to www.tobiasfuneralhome.com