Age: 86
February 24, 1935 – September 26, 2021
A lifelong resident of St. Cloud, MN, Jim William Miller, age 86, peacefully passed away at his home on Sunday, September 26, 2021, exactly as he wished.
A service celebrating his life will be Thursday, September 30th at 11:00 am at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in St. Cloud. Pastor Chad Peterson will preside. Visitation will be held Wednesday, September 29th, from 4:00-7:00 pm at Miller-Carlin Funeral Home, St. Cloud, and one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday.
Jim was born to Albert and Hilda (Schmidt) Miller on February 24, 1935, the first of four children. Jim married Marion Richards on December 5, 1959. She supported him throughout his many endeavors for 61 years. Together they continued to live in St. Cloud and raise their four children: Tim, Dan, Melanie and Lezlie. Jim was also very fortunate and proud to be involved in all 14 of his grandchildren’s lives.
A genuinely self-made man, Jim had many endeavors, beginning in the construction of homes, agriculture, barn straightening, and finally commercial design and building of a variety of commercial buildings, to his current business, Miller Properties. Also included in his many accomplishments of the last 50 years are commercial and industrial properties, office buildings, apartments, motels, funeral homes, and bank ownership. With every new project, he took it on as a personal challenge to be conquered.
As his family and friends know, Jim was an avid outdoorsman with a bit of friendly competition involved. He thoroughly enjoyed hunting and fishing with his lifelong friends, children, and grandchildren. His adventures took him to Canada, Montana, Arkansas and Alaska just to name a few. His bi-yearly trek to Flin Flon, Manitoba, Canada, was what he looked forward to most. In later years, he enjoyed being able to relax, surrounded by the pristine woods and lakes it had to offer. In past years, Flin Flon also became his resource for his “Famous” Diamond Willow Lamps. He would search for hours to find the exact stone and branches to create lamps of all sizes. His creativity and love for the outdoors were visible in every lamp.
Jim always enjoyed a “friendly” game of Pinochle or Cribbage, which he taught to his grandchildren. He would challenge his grandchildren to a game every time he saw them. Jim was happiest when he was surrounded by family and friends.
Jim is survived by his wife Marion, his sons, Tim Miller and Dan Miller, as well as his daughters, Melanie (Bob) Miller Plombon and Lezlie (Bill) Carlin. He is also survived by 14 grandchildren: Alex Miller, Christina (Alex Johnson) Miller, Jenny Miller, Jacqui Miller, Lauren Miller, Kaydee Miller, Kylie Miller, Steven Miller, Andrew Plombon, Michael Plombon, Broderick (Justy) Carlin, Kortney Carlin, Morgan Carlin and Chandler Carlin. Jim is also survived by his sister June (Mike) Michalski and brother Jerome (Judy) Miller.
Jim is preceded in death by his mother, father, and brother Jerry.
Schedule and Information
A service celebrating his life will be Thursday, September 30th at 11:00 am at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in St. Cloud. Pastor Chad Peterson will preside. Visitation will be held Wednesday, September 29th, from 4:00-7:00 pm at Miller-Carlin Funeral Home, St. Cloud, and one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday.
Visitation Details
Visitation will be held Wednesday, September 29th, from 4:00-7:00 pm at Miller-Carlin Funeral Home, St. Cloud, and one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday.
Visitation Location
Miller-Carlin Funeral Home
3013 Roosevelt Road
Saint Cloud, MN 56301
Visitation Map
Service Information
A service celebrating his life will be Thursday, September 30th at 11:00 am at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in St. Cloud. Pastor Chad Peterson will preside.
Service Location
Bethlehem Lutheran Church
4310 Co Rd 137
St Cloud, MN 56301
6 Comments. Leave new
Have very happy memories of Jim at the deer shack back in the day when the blmr guys were all together
Our deepest sympathies to their whole family. He was an amazing man! He was funny, kind, smart and had such a generous heart. When he talked about his wife, his children and his grandchildren, he glowed with pride. He was very proud of all the things that they had accomplished and the wonderful people they grew up to be. He was so smart and so proud of all he had accomplished in his life. The businesses he built and helped others to build. But when he talked about these things he was very humble. He just enjoyed the new adventures life would take him on. He talked about how much he enjoyed hunting trips with his friends and how much he enjoyed when his grandchildren would come and spend time with him and Marion. We were so sad to hear of his passing. Our prayers go out to the whole family.
I’ve worked for Jim and the company for many years. Jim demanded the best you could be and would find a way to get that out of you. I have total respect for him and was proud to be a part of that company for all the years I was there. He taught me a lot!!! God Bless you Jim!! Rest In Peace my friend!!!!
Sincere condolences from my mom and me. May God give you peace and comfort as you remember the life of such a great man.
Houston, TX
Dear Marion and Family,
We share your sadness as well as celebrate Jim’s life and work and service.
Even as we mourn we see the goodness of life all around us. We are particularly
thankful for your generosity in giving to so many truly worthy causes in our
community and our world. Your support for the church project in Liberia was in
so many ways a lifeline to the people there.
We regret that we are still in the north and unable to join in sharing our gladness
for Jim’s life and friendship.
You are surely in our hearts and prayers.
Warren and Jackie Bradbury
Word of Jim’s passing rekindled memories of our initial meeting back in May 1963, as he was a member of a four man Search Committee from Peace UCC in St. Cloud that had traveled 225 miles to Tulare, SD to interview me for the church’s pastoral opening. During my subsequent twenty years of ministry in the city, Jim was a valuable friend and confidant. He has made his mark on the city that he loved and may he rest in peace.