James (Jim) Stephen Miller, 69, of Columbia, Missouri left this earth to be with his Heavenly Father on Saturday February 18th 2017. He was surrounded by his three children as he passed away. Jim was preceded in death by his beloved parents, two nephews, and several aunts and uncles. Born on January 7th 1948 in Ottumwa, Iowa, Jim was the youngest child of Ersel C. Miller and Ruth Soseman Miller. Surviving are his sisters Margaret Geadelmann (Gene), Martha Dahl, brother Robert Miller (Diana), along with several beloved nieces and nephews. Jim graduated from Davis County High School in Bloomfield, Iowa in 1966, and from there moved to Kirksville, Missouri to attend then Northeast Missouri State University as well as to pursue business endeavors. Jim was united in marriage to the love of his life Jacqueline Drost Miller on June 5th 1976. Through that marriage, Jim gained the blessing of a young son, Kelly Beets (Susan), and from that marriage two more children were born, E. Drew Miller (Jen), and Olivia “Libby” Edwards (Drew Christopher). He is also survived by several beloved grandchildren. Jim proudly owned and operated Mister Jim’s clothing store, located in downtown Kirksville, from 1970 to 1985. After selling Mister Jim’s, he continued a career in the clothing business as an Independent Sales Rep for Cole Haan and Ike Behar, traveling all over the United States. Jim was also the owner and operator of Troy Mills Christmas Tree farm located south of Kirksville from the years 1987 - 2006, seed to sale. Jim was a lover of life with a boisterous personality and a contagious laugh. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved time spent fishing and hunting with his sons. Jim’s daughter moved back home to Missouri to be a daily presence, a steadfast caretaker, and a devoted advocate to her father during the later years in which he endured health complications. Jim deeply cherished his relationships with all three of his children and had a unique love for each one of them. Following cremation, the family chose to have a private service on Thursday February 23rd 2017 at Travis- Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville, Missouri.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the American Stroke Foundation (www.americanstroke.org) and or to the Dementia Society of America (www.dementiasociety.org)
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid ” John 14:27
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, shall keep your hearts and your minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7