Until his retirement in 2000, James resided in Whiting, IN and was employed by LTV Steel. He was a loving, humble and generous father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Along with being an avid Bible reader, he was a big-hearted family man with a love for gardening and flowering, sports, outdoors and fishing. He and his parents had been residents of Yellow Banks Recreation since as far back as the 1960’s.
Jim served in the United States Air Force. He was a member of the AMVETS Post #64 in Whiting and he served as Commander and District Commander. He was also a member of the American Legion in Holland, IN, the Scottish Rite and the Whiting Masonic Lodge.
He loved to help others. For many years he spent his holidays at the local AMVETS post feeding the less fortunate. He would help to serve them meals on Christmas and Thanksgiving. He also spent several years in Indianapolis volunteering during the Special Olympics. These are just two of the many ways he made this world a better place.
Jim is survived by his daughters, Cheryl Ramirez (George) of Lansing, IL, Cynthia Miller (Edward Ruiz) of Plymouth, IN and Michele Martinez (Juan) of East Chicago, IN; son, Earl Miller of Dale, IN; adopted daughter, Billie Ratkovich of Merrillville, IN; grandchildren, Amanda, Ashley, Mason, Lucas, Colby, Aubrey, Jasmine, Nina, James, Zachary, Abigail, Gabby, Aiden, Christina, Michael, April, Anthony and Nicholas; great-grandchildren, Joshua and Jayden; brothers, Wayne Miller of Hawesville, KY and John Miller (Mary) of Colorado Springs, CO; niece, Molly Miller of Evansville; and various assumed nieces and nephews.
Services will be 1:00 PM Saturday, April 16, 2011, at Alexander East Chapel, officiated by Dennis Whobrey. Friends may visit Friday from 4:00 to 8:00 PM and Saturday from 10:00 AM until service time at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to Paralyzed Veterans of American, National Headquarters, 801 Eighteenth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20006-3517.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18