James L. Miller's Obituary
James Miller Obituary
James L. Miller, 88, of Elyria, peacefully passed away Saturday, July 1, 2023, at Ames Family Hospice House. Jim is survived by his daughters Pamela (Tony) Keys, and Lisa (Jeff) McVeigh; son Jimmy (Julia) Miller; grandchildren Jack (Rachel) Keys, Regan (Nick) Suetta, Jake Miller, Nick Miller, and Max McVeigh; and great grandchildren Jackson Keys and Hudson Anderton. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Albert R. Miller and Charlotte L. Miller (nee Wacker), and his loving wife Regina Miller (nee Machock). Jim was an amazing son, father, husband, grandfather and friend. He was born November 20, 1934 in a barn on his mother’s family farm in LaGrange, Ohio. He was raised in Elyria and graduated from Elyria High School with high honors in 1952. He earned numerous varsity letters in baseball, basketball, football, and band. Music and sports were his passion and he excelled at both. An accomplished piano player, during high school, he had steady gigs with numerous bands, including the Jimmy Dulio Band. Upon graduation, he received a scholarship to attend the University of Pennsylvania where he was the Freshman Class President, and continued with football. In 1957, he married his high school sweetheart, Regina, and after some stops along the way, they raised their family in the hometown that they loved. This was the beginning of an adventure that lasted 55 years until her passing in August of 2012. His undying love for Regina forever endures. In addition, he attended Baldwin Wallace University and proudly served in the United States Army. Jim had a successful sales career in the paint finishing industry which spanned 40 years. He began as a salesman at Nordson Corporation in Amherst, Ohio and retired as a VP of Sales at ABB Corporation. His career enabled him to travel the world, but nothing was more important to him than his family. His work often kept him away from his home and loved ones, but his heart was always home and with his family. If a basketball game was on Wednesday at 3:30 in Elyria, he was there. He taught all of his children and grandchildren the importance of family. He was passionate about life, music, good food, and good wine. Wherever he went, he was the life of the party. His skill for jokes and storytelling was legendary. His appearance was eagerly awaited at places such as the Elks and Polish Club at card games and fish frys. He was passionate about his sports teams; the Cleveland Browns, the Cleveland Indians and the Ohio State Buckeyes. Anyone who watched the games with him clearly saw, and heard (not always appropriate, but very entertaining) enthusiasm. His sense of humor and charisma are unmatched. Alzheimer's disease took him from all of us too early, but it did not take away from his music ability, and he enjoyed playing piano, extraordinarily, until the end! He is now where he is happiest, with Regina, and our world is a far lesser place without him. A private family graveside service will be at Ridge Hill Memorial Park, Amherst Township. Reverend Charles T. Diedrick will officiate. Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, 37309 Harvest Drive, Avon, Ohio 44011 or Hospice of the Western Reserve, 17876 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, Ohio 44110.
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