"I went to college and was a Kappa Sig with him. I later moved to Phoenix with Jim. Wish I had stayed in touch. Will never forget him. Paul Debban"
In loving memory of
Jim Miller
May 11, 1950 - October 6, 2016
The outgoing and energetic Jim (James) Miller, 66, passed away in the company of his children Oct. 6 at Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames, Iowa.
Jim was born in Ankeny, Iowa, on May 11, 1950. He was the son of Don (Donald) and Maggy (Margaret) Miller. Jim graduated from Ankeny High School and attended Iowa State University where he played basketball. After he graduated in 1972, he played D-league basketball for the Phoenix Suns affiliate. Jim then started working at Ohio National Financial Services as a career agent. Jim married his soul mate, Sheryl Miller, on July 31, 1998, in Des Moines. They were married 18 wonderful years before she passed away on April 9, 2016. Their families take comfort in knowing they are together once again, most likely fishing in heaven.
Once his basketball days were over, Jim developed a passion for fishing and hunting. Many of Jim and Sheryl's favorite memories were centered on the fishing boat on Lake Superior or out in the field with his English Setters. In fact, Jim took pride in breeding his Setter, CJ, "the second best dog in the nation," who would accompany them on these trips
"Big Jim" was a hard worker, great father and loved to make people laugh and smile. His love for boats, cars, guns and his friends took him all around the country. Those who love him would say, "There was never a dull moment with Jim around." His radiant personality will be missed by many.
Jim is survived by his children, Janae (22), and DJ (Donald) (18) of Ames, Iowa; stepson, Bryce (24) of Ames, Iowa; siblings, Ellen (Jim) Kohtz of Albion, Neb. and Mary (Brook) Wennerstrum of Des Moines, Iowa; nephew, Chris (Heather) Kohtz of Albion, Neb.; great-nieces, Catherine and Lauren Kohtz of Albion, Neb., and countless friends who feel like family.
Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Sheryl Miller, his parents, Don and Maggy Miller, and his grandparents Chris and Henrietta Miller and Walter and Doris McQuigg.
Please join us in celebrating his life on Thursday, Oct. 13, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Grandon Funeral Home, 414 Lincoln Way, Ames, Iowa. The service to celebrate his life will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 14, at Cornerstone Church, 56829 US-30, Ames, IA 50010.
Memorials may be designated to the family, which will be forwarded to the National Shoot to Retrieve Association- NSTRA.
Condolences may be sent to the family at 2400 Woodview Drive, Ames, Iowa, 50014, or online at www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com
Tributes
"What a shock to hear of Jim's passing. I always enjoyed seeing Jim and it seemed he always had a story to tell. The last time I saw Jim was right after his wife's cancer came back. He was so proud she was such a fighter. The loss had to weigh on him. God Bless his Family!"
"Jim was "the best boss" I've ever had -- way back at Grand Daddy's. Great guy who always lived life to the fullest!
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"Big Jim, Played on my Hendrickson Realty AAU basketball team for at least 10 years. After we had gone to the national tournament in Las Vegas Jim presented me with a trophy basketball. What a sad day in our lives to lose this wonderful big big man. "
"Sorry to hear of Jim's passing. It was a long time ago when I met him and enjoyed his company. I always thought highly of his character, and I think this world has been diminished by his loss. RIP Jim. "
"Truly a great friend. I enjoyed his exuberance for life and will miss Jim. "
"Truly a great friend. I enjoyed his exuberance for life and will miss Jim. "
"He will be missed."