James Douglas Miller, 70 a resident of Sedro-Woolley, passed away at his home surrounded by his family on Tuesday, August 21, 2012.
Jim was born on August 21, 1942 in Portland, Oregon, the son of Raymond & Clara (Seaman) Miller. He was raised and attended school in the Fobes Hill area of Snohomish and graduated from Snohomish High School with the class of 1960.
In 1963 he enlisted into the U.S. Air Force, serving his country during the Vietnam conflict, until May 1965.
In 1964 he was united in marriage to Ruth Sexton in Snohomish, and after his discharge they made their home in Bothell and then Everett and Jim worked as a draftsman for Hussman Refrigeration, designing grocery store refrigeration units for several years. He then enrolled in Everett Community College’s Nursing Program, and while attending school worked as a security guard and as a pharmacy technician at Everett General Hospital. While working at the hospital he met Margaret Whitlam and they were married on August 21, 1976. Jim graduated with a Nursing Degree in 1977 and worked as a Registered Nurse at Everett General Hospital at the Heart Cath Lab for several years. In 1987 he and Margaret moved to Sedro-Woolley and Jim worked at Skagit Valley Hospital where he was instrumental in beginning their Heart Catheter program. He retired in 2002.
Jim enjoyed camping and fishing with his family, had an infatuation for airplanes and loved volunteering. In Everett he was a volunteer fireman for the Silver Lake Fire District and in Sedro-Woolley he volunteered at Evergreen Elementary School and the Boys & Girls Club. He was a jack of all trades who could fix just about anything including computers, and he was active at His Place Church in Burlington. He was proud of and grateful to help in the raising his granddaughter, Rileigh
Jim is survived by his wife, Margaret at the family home in Sedro-Woolley. His children, Traci Sheffield and husband Greg of Republic, WA, Jeff Miller and wife Melonie of Snohomish, WA and Amanda Miller-Hull of St. Petersburg, FL,. Ten grandchildren, Atticus James, Abigail Ruth, Andrew Weston and Nathan Elias Sheffield, Bailey Raquel, Kyle James, Rileigh Anne and Peyton Kathleen Miller, Aidan James Garrard and Neveah Kayleigh Anne Hull, and two step-grandchildren, Shane Everbeck and Katherine Akers. Two brothers, Raymond Miller and wife Geneva of Kenmore, WA and Stuart Miller of Santa Clara, CA; his brother-in-law, Robert Whitlam of Chelan, WA and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister-in-law, Lorry Miller and his father and mother-in-law, Duncan and Kathleen Whitlam.
A Celebration of Life for Jim will be held on Thursday, September 6, 2012 at 1:00 PM at His Place Church in Burlington with Pastor John Birk officiating. Memorials are suggested to the Sedro-Woolley Boys & Girls Club. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.
Hey papa it’s been 7 years since you pasted and I think about you ever day. I remember you telling me not to be afraid of what comes cause God has a plan. Why would his plan include taking you away from me. I am 15 now and I still don’t understand why this happened. I am in high school about to go into 10th grade. I don’t know how I have made it this far without you. I don’t think I ever told you this but when I got married I wanted you to walk me down the aisle. You were the closest thing I had to a dad you where always there for me. You tucked me in we road on your tracker. Things are so different now with you gone. We have never mastered the potatoes that you made we have gotten close but it’s still not the same. We try and make them for every holiday and especially today. Last night we watched one of your favorite movies and ate your favorite food. We miss you down here papa. I have your robe you used to wear all the time. It’s still smells like you. I put it on when I really miss you. Like today I am sitting her writing this in your robe. I love you papa always and forever.
Hiya poppa…. It’s Rileigh Anne.
I’m 14 now, and I’m in highschool… It’s hard and my grades aren’t doing so well since I’m stressed out all the time… But I promise I’ll do better.
I’ve been battling depression and anxiety ever since you left this world. I now you’re doing better than you were down here but I miss you so much.
Sometimes I feel like everyone hates me. I wish you were here to tell me they don’t, because your support is all I need.
We had our veterans day assembly today at school and I had to try not to cry because I knew your name wouldn’t be called as a vet, and it made me sad to stand when they asked if any family member in my family was a vet and died.
I still have that dream of becoming an Air Force medic, so don’t worry about that. I actually am looking up what I need to do. I’ll be working hard in order to make it.
I have a boyfriend now too… His name is Eric. I really really care about him, you would have liked him, although you didn’t like many boys so it would have been a hit or miss on that. But I’m sure you would have loved him.
I’ve been thinking a lot lately, poppa, about the way I treated you and memaw. About how I was such a brat to you and I wouldn’t stop… I realized a while ago that that was wrong and I’m so sorry for what I did. I don’t want you to look down from heaven and see me and think that I’m still that bratty child, I want you to see me for the new me. I want you to see how much I’ve changed over the years, and how much I’ve grown.
I have friends now too actually, and they’re my age! Although I’m not sure they’re the best bunch to be with, they all understand what one another has been through so we stick together.
I’m proud of you poppa. I’m proud that you were in the military and served our country. I’m proud that you fought cancer like a badass and in a way you won. I’m proud that you stood by us no matter what. Thank you so much.
I’d better get going before I break down in tears. I love you poppa, and happy veterans day to you.
Sincerely yours,
Rileigh Anne
Hey grandpa…… So much has changed with me since we last spoke. I am now 13 and am battling depression. I think of you all the time and I miss you so much. I miss our old tractor rids, eating dinner with you. I miss you’re mashed potatoes. I love you grandpa. Take care
My name is Rileigh Anne and I was raised very well by my grandfather. I miss him very much and he has become an inspiration in my life. I will be a Air force medic when I am older just so that I can look up to the heavens and say “Look at me now poppa, I’m just like you.” I watched him as he took his painful ascent to heaven and he was a strong man, but died as I was falling asleep. I love him very much.
My age is 10 now i still miss my grandpa very much I cried at night because I missed him a lot I will always remember him no matter what I miss u grandpa
Sorry to hear about Jim’s passing…. my prayers are with you abd your family.
“A raindrop landing on your cheek, is a Kiss from Someone that lives in Heaven, and is watching over you …”
Missing you deeply, my Snug, with tons of Love!! XOXOXO
My dearest friend, Jim was the perfect mate for you, and I know you will miss him dearly. I feel so fortunate to have talked to him during his last days. Please know that you are in my thoughts constantly during your most difficult time. I love you dear friend. Laurel
Margaret and family, please know that our arms are around you with much love. We know that Jim will be missed, but he will always be there in memory. Your friends Joan and Frank Fishleigh (Mission, BC)
Margaret, my friend that I enjoyed growing up with & have known so long now, I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved husband & friend. My heart goes out to you & your family. May God’s grace be with you all now. You’re in my thoughts & prayers, Marianne
Margaret,
I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Shirley
Margaret
You and Jim have been apart of my families life for so long, I’m sorry to hear of his passing. You and your family are in my prayers.
Debi
Margaret,
I was so sorry to see that Jim had passed away. He is out of his pain now but I know it will be a difficult time now for you . If I can do anything please let me know, I am hear for you. I loved working with both of you and miss those days. Debi sends her prayers too.
Love, Judy
Hello Margaret….it always makes one think of our own lives when a loved one of one’s friends passes on. I truly hope your life will be filled with lots of joy through your grandchildren and great grandchildren when your life settles down without your mate by your side. We shall always be remembered by friends and family, no matter what. Your husband sounded like a very gentle man and was guided by always wanting to help others. Thank you for sharing your news in a most positive way.
Hi Margaret,
I will miss my cousin here in this world and look forward to talking with him again in heaven. I am sorry to not be able to attend his memorial because of work commitments. Bless your heart, Margaret.
Love,
Judy and Larry Hildebrant
Margaret,
I was so sorry to read of Jim’s passing in the Everett Herald. I know he will be missed by you and the family. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers as you travel through this part of the journey of life.
Gayle
my grandpa was a great man.he loved to play with us and take us on walks and take us on rides on the tracter and truck.i loved his potatoes eveer.he should not died with cancer.he loved us very much.he was so sad that he didnt get to see us again.
love
Aidan
My poppa was a great man. he made the best potatoes , the best food ever and I enjoyed riding on the tractor and in the truck with him. he liked playing with us and he shoud have not died with cancer. i miss he sow much.
Love
peyton
my grandpa was a great man we all are goingto miss him very much.my grandpa loved to play wit us. he took us on rides on the tracter and let us help him cook.i love his potatos alot.he loved takeing us in the hot tub and loved to go swimming with us and he loved to take us on walks to the park.
i’ll miss you popa
love Aidan
Jill Reid, Unit Director
Sedro-Woolley Boys & Girls Club
PO Box 417
Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284
(360) 856-1830