James Miller

Obituary of James LeRoy Miller

James LeRoy Miller 75 passed away January 27, 2021 at Viewcrest Health Center in Duluth. Jim was born March 10, 1945 in Deer River, MN to LeRoy and Katherine Miller. They moved to Munger where he attended Munger Grade School and Proctor High School before joining the Navy in 1964. He was stationed in Meridian Mississippi where he was severely injured. He spent many months in a coma before being transferred to the Naval hospital Pensacola Florida and later to the VA Hospital in St Paul, MN. While in Florida he was told he would never walk or talk but being the stubborn German that he was he proved them wrong. June 15, 1968 he married the love his life Darlene (Carlson) Miller at St Matthews Church in Esko, MN. Jim and Darlene had started first grade together and Darlene even “marked” Jim as hers in second grade with a pencil. Right after marrying Jim and Darlene lived in the cities for 4 & 1/2 years while Jim went through therapy. They moved back to Munger where they made their home for the last 48 years. Jim spent many years collecting aluminum cans and flattening them using an 18 pound sledgehammer. He donated money to a Hope Lutheran Church in Munger and Peace in Christ in Hermantown. On October 22nd 2000 he officially crushed his 1 millionth can. It took him 21 years 8 months. He was recognized as Solway Citizen of the year and spent many years working the Recycling Center in Solway. Jim was an amazing man who will deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and brother Gordon.

Jim is survived by his wife of 52 & 1/2 years Darlene, children Debbie (Greg) Conant, James (Jenny) Miller, Grandchildren Dakota, Dustyn & Devin Koski, Gregory & Brianna Conant, Corbin & Nolan Miller and Great-Granddaughter Candance Koski and many cousins.

Due to current covid restrictions a private service will be held for immediate family at Peace in Christ by Pastor Tim Ludwig. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

The family would like to thank the doctors and nursing staff at Viewcrest Health Center, Essentia hospice and the nursing staff on 7th floor at Essentia for the wonderful care, love and kindness they showed to Jim and a special thank you to Pastor Tim Ludwig for all the visits prior to covid.

A Memorial Tree was planted for James
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at Cremation Society Of Minnesota | Duluth