James Richard Miller

James Richard “Jim” Miller, 77, a resident of Daphne, AL, passed away on Wednesday, February 15, 2023. He is survived by his wife Susan Miller of Daphne, AL; their children: Kristen (Brian) Hodges of Scottsboro AL, Shawna (Carlos) Atilano of Daphne, AL, Carly Diaz of Cumming, GA and John Runyan of Covington, GA; his grandchildren: Riley, Mary Rose, Carlos Jr., Alicia, Eric, Lisa, Zac, Jaden, Mya and Brae; dear family friends: Frenchy Paz, Mario Diaz, Rosemary Torres and Amber Stockdale; his nieces and nephews: Christopher, Terri Lynn, Jeremiah, Zachariah, Alyssa. He also leaves behind 2 brothers Ron (Diane) Miller of Deerfield, OH and Bobby (Candace) Miller of Akron, OH. He was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Evelyn Miller of Rootstown, Ohio. Jim was born March 12, 1945, in Tallahassee, FL and grew up in Youngstown, Ohio. He graduated from Austintown Fitch High School, class of 1964 where he played percussion in the Austintown Fitch Marching Band and the Warren Junior Military Band, both conducted by Donald W. Hurrelbrink. He served 4 years in the U.S. Air Force, from August 1965 to June 1969, where he attained the rank of Sargeant. He served at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia and Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage, Alaska and played percussion in the Air Force band. Following his discharge, he worked for the State of Ohio as a surveyor, until his hiring into Ohio Bell Telephone Company in February 1970. After Ohio Bell’s divestiture 1987, he went to work for AT&T as a Communications Technician in the Youngstown, Ohio and Cleveland, Ohio offices. He met his wife Susan in Liberty Township, Youngstown, Ohio in the summer of 1988 and were happily married on February 10, 1990 at a small family ceremony in Boardman, Ohio. In August 1990, he was transferred with AT&T to Conyers, Georgia, until he retired in January 2001 after 30 years of employment. After retiring, Jim and Susan settled in Marathon Florida in the Florida Keys in November 2002 where he started working with Home Depot. After 4 years, Jim transferred with Home Depot to Scottsboro, Alabama in Nov 2005, to be close to their children and grandchildren. He returned to the joy of drumming by joining the Scottsboro Wind Band for about 5 years. He retired from Home Depot after 19 years in March 2022. Jim loved Cruising with his wife and even adopted the nickname “Cruise Daddy” along with his wife “Cruisin’ Susan”. He enjoyed golfing, playing cards and loved to travel. We must not forget the love he had for his 2 kitties Wolfie and Cali. He was a diehard Ohio State Buckeyes fan (Go Bucks!) and never hesitated to tease others that his team was the best. Jim was a man who loved to laugh. He always brought laughter into a room. He loved talking to people; he never met a stranger. But most of all, he loved his family with his whole heart. His wife Susan was his whole world and they were true soul mates. He loved his 4 kids and 10 grandkids sincerely and intensely, and was always proud of their successes in work and life. The joy of having kids and grandchildren was the highlight of his life. Jim was always so excited for family get togethers for holidays or just because. He will be severely missed by his family and everyone who knew him. The family would like to thank the staff at Thomas Hospital in Fairhope, AL for their compassion and support during Jim’s brief and sudden illness. The family will hold a Celebration of Life to be held at a later date. In lieu of flower, please consider a donation in Jim’s name to the Alzheimer's Association or St. Jude. ARRANGEMENTS BY WOLFE-BAYVIEW FUNERAL HOMES & CREMATORY, INC. 27409 US HWY 98 DAPHNE, AL (251)625-2900