Miller, James Walter

James Walter Miller, age 85, who had recently relocated to Cypress Village in Jacksonville, Florida, passed away gently and peacefully at home, on March 31, 2011. He was born on August 18, 1925, in West Allis, Wisconsin, a suburb of Milwaukee, relocating with his parents, Walter Miller and Alvina Bendickson, to Wisconsin’s Door County peninsula, where he grew up and met Joyce Augusta Zillmer, with whom he would share the rest of his life. After serving in the U. S. Navy as an Aviation Gunner’s Mate in multiple battles in the Pacific during World War II, Jim returned to marry the love of his life, bring his two daughters into the world, and take advantage of his GI Bill at the University of Wisconsin, where he received both a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Secondary Education. Jim taught in multiple disciplines at Waupaca High School from 1950 to 1981, including; agriculture, conservation, ecology, and general science. He was dedicated to his students, and he found particular joy in mentoring the young men of the FFA club that he led for decades. Jim was also a dedicated member of the Waupaca Volunteer Fire Department for many years, an avid and responsible sportsman, and a talented photographer, who documented the family’s annual summer vacations to places of natural beauty that included nearly every National Park in the system. His photos from the 50’s and 60’s, rival National Geographic’s finest work. After retirement, Jim and Joyce became snowbirds, making the hills and lakes of central Florida their winter home, and returning to their wild Wisconsin woods each summer for the past 30 years. Jim is survived by his wife of 65 years, Joyce A. Miller, and two daughters: Jane C. Steinbach of Kaukauna, Wisconsin, married to Reverend Walter Steinbach, Jr.; and Dr. Judith A. M. Smith (Commander, U. S. Navy, Retired) of Jacksonville, Florida, married to Captain Chester B. Smith (U. S. Navy, Retired). He is also survived by the following grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Jonathan D. Steinbach (Rebecca) plus Lily and Nathan, of Milwaukee; Paula Steinbach Davis (Brian) plus Isaac, of Appleton, Wisconsin; Zachary J. Smith (Christie), plus Emerson and Maxim, Jessica L. Smith, and Chester B. Smith, Jr., all of Jacksonville; and Randall C. Smith (Cristal) plus Garret and Amelia of Belton, Texas. He is further survived by his younger brother, Dr. Knudt Miller (Audrey), and his three younger sisters, Patricia Schwartz, Joyce Destree, and Audrey Alberts, all of whom reside in Wisconsin. Many nephews, nieces, and other extended family members have also been an important part of Jim’s long and satisfying life. No visitation or services will be held in Jacksonville. Jim’s remains will be cremated under the care and direction of Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 1701 Beach Boulevard, in Jacksonville Beach. He will await his final summer return to become a part of his wild woods in Wisconsin where a celebration of a life well lived will take place for family and friends at the family home off Oakland Road outside of the city of Waupaca at 11:00 on Saturday, August 6, 2011. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice.