JB Miller

Born on January 23, 1935, in a loving home in Stilwell, Oklahoma, "Strawberry Capital of the World," JB was the loving son of Orlando and Mary Helen (Sager) Miller. He grew up surrounded by the natural beauty and charm of Stilwell, graduating from high school in 1953. He went on to build a life filled with love, family, and community. Before starting his civilian life, JB proudly served his country in the United States Army for two years. His dedication to his nation and its values was a hallmark of his character.

On June 1957, JB married the love of his life, Wilma Jean (Rich) Miller, in Stilwell, Oklahoma. Together, they shared a remarkable 68 years of marriage, building a life that many would envy - filled with love, laughter, adventure, and a deep devotion to one another. They were blessed with two wonderful sons, Terry and Jerry, who brought immense joy and pride to their lives.

JB was a man of many talents and passions. For 30 years, he owned and operated Kelley Miller DX Service Station, where he built a reputation for honesty, hard work, and dedication to his customers. In addition to running his business, JB also owned and operated the 3 M Ranch for many years, where he raised cattle and taught his family the value of hard work and self-reliance. Later in his career, JB worked as a boiler operator at Northeastern State University for 19 years, where he was respected by his colleagues for his expertise and his kind spirit.

JB's love for the Western way of life was evident in his enthusiasm for rodeos, watching classic Westerns, and his support for his children and grandchildren's sports and activities. He was especially proud to watch his kid’s work cattle, passing on his knowledge and values to the next generation. JB loved exploring the great outdoors with his family and taking trail rides throughout the countryside. In recent years, JB and Wilma took a memorable vacation with their family, including their children and spouses to Yellowstone National Park creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

JB was a man of strong faith, attending church regularly until his disability prevented him from doing so. His faith was a guiding force in his life, shaping his values and relationships. Throughout his life, JB was a shining example of the values he held dear: hard work, honesty, and a commitment to family and community. He was a loving man who spent his entire life teaching the real value of a man to all who knew him. His legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched and the memories he created with his loved ones.

JB was preceded in death by his parents, Orlando and Mary Helen (Sager) Miller; and his sister, Lois Essary. Those left to carry on his legacy include his wife, Wilma Jean Miller; his sons, Terry Miller and wife Paula of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Jerry Miller and wife Gayle of Tahlequah, Oklahoma; his sister, Erma Dean Miller of Stilwell, Oklahoma; five grandchildren, Jeron Miller and wife Maegan of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, Jaymee Jones and husband Kejaun of Jenks, Oklahoma, Jayce “Spider” Miller and wife Aubrey of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, Daniel Miller of Prattville, Oklahoma, and Dana Miller and wife Jennifer of Sapulpa, Oklahoma; thirteen great-grandchildren, Bruce Miller, J Rush Miller, J Rowdy Miller, Oaklynn Miller, Kaydin Jones, Jaedyn Jones, Janiya Jones, Jaxon Miller, Jerryn “Maddox” Miller, Lily Miller, Madelynn Miller, Bricent Lea, Chaestin Butler, and a host of relatives and friends too numerous to mention.

As we say goodbye to this extraordinary man, we take comfort in the memories we shared with him, the lessons we learned from him, and the love we will continue to carry in our hearts. Rest in peace, JB. Your love, kindness, and legacy will never be forgotten.

A visitation for JB will be held Thursday, March 20, 2025 from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Reed-Culver Funeral Home, 117 West Delaware Street, Tahlequah, OK 74464. A funeral service will occur Friday, March 21, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Reed-Culver Funeral Home.

JB will be laid to rest in Park Hill Cemetery, Park Hill, Oklahoma.

Serving as pallbearers are Jeron Miller, Jayce "Spider" Miller, Daniel Miller, Bruce Miller, J Rush Miller, and Kaydin Jones. Honorary Pallbearers include Jaxon Miller, Maddox Miller, J Rowdy Miller, Bricent Lea, and Chaestin Butler.