James Miller

A memorial service to celebrate the life of James L. "Jim" Miller will be held Saturday, April 5 at 10:30 a.m. at Boyd Avenue Baptist Church, with Pastor Quinn Williams officiating. Mr. Miller died unexpectedly with his family at his side March 25 at Wyoming Medical Center. A reception will be held at the church following the service. Cremation has taken place.

He was born April 7, 1928 in Bourbon, Missouri to William and Jessie Miller and was raised on the family farm with his six brothers and seven sisters. Following graduation, Jim served during World War II in the U.S. Navy. He returned home to Missouri, where he went to work for Southwestern Bell Company. He also earned his private pilot's license, and spent weekends flying soldiers on furlough to their homes, as well as serving as a flight instructor.

In 1951 he married the love of his life, Julia Dixon, in Sullivan, Missouri. They had one son, Rick, who was born in Belleville, Illinois in 1953.

In 1978, Jim and Julie relocated to Isfahan, Iran, where Jim was CEO of Operations for American Bell International Company, assisting the Iranian government with the development of a telecommunications system. When the Shah was deposed in 1979, they were forced to evacuate, and upon their return to the States they retired to Wyoming to be near their son and grandson.

Jim loved the Wyoming outdoors, and was an avid fisherman and gardener. He also loved camping with his family. He was an active member of Boyd Avenue Baptist Church, and his kindness and thoughtfulness toward people was a reflection of his strong Christian faith. Through his church, he established many close friendships, especially with Larry and Margo Bean and their children, who were like a second family to the Millers. Jim was proud to be known as "Grandpa Jim" by the four Bean children, Josh, Nate, Amber and Nicole. The holidays and celebrations shared by the families held a special place in Jim's heart.

In addition to volunteering his time and skills to Habitat for Humanity, Seton House and Central Wyoming Rescue Mission, he was always there for anyone who needed a helping hand. Many people recall that when something needed fixing or building, "Call Jim" was their first thought. He loved and was loved by his family and friends, who will remember him for more than just the twinkle in his eye, huge smile, encouraging words and the funny stories he told about himself. Jim leaves a legacy of commitment to his values, which included honesty, responsibility to his church and community, hard work, and fairness. His caring friendship will be missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife Julie, son Rick and daughter-in-law Sheri, and grandson Coy, all of Casper, and sister Virginia Pinnell of Houston. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Raymond, Lawrence, Eugene, William, Roy, and Leslie, and sisters Grace, Mildred, Elizabeth, Margaret, Ethel and June.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorials to Habitat for Humanity, Seton House, Central Wyoming Rescue Mission or Boyd Avenue Baptist Church.