James Miller Obituary

James "Jim" Miller passed away peacefully on June 20, 2025, in Santa Cruz, California, just days shy of his 89th birthday.
Born in Los Angeles, California, to William and Eleanora Miller, Jim was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Diane Miller, who passed in 2021 after 58 years of marriage. Together, Jim and Diane raised four children in San Jose, California: Jackie (husband Tom Anderson) of West Linn, Oregon; Jim (wife Gina McClard) of Bend, Oregon; Mike (wife Allie Hary) of Tigard, Oregon; and Greg (partner Andrea Beltrami) of Capitola, California. He was a proud grandfather to six treasured grandchildren: Wren, Weston, Grace, Sam, Lilah, and Jax. Jim is also survived by his beloved younger brother, Robert "Bob" Miller (wife Joyce) of Ashland, Oregon.
A graduate of Loyola Marymount University, Jim began his career with the telephone company and the FAA before becoming an engineer at IBM in San Jose. He had a deep curiosity about the world and a strong drive to understand how things worked. His sharp mind never dulled. A skilled bridge player, he had recently achieved NABC Master status.
Jim loved deeply and unconditionally. He saw the best in others and instilled in his children the values of hard work, empathy, and integrity-even if he at times could be impatient (especially when helping them with their homework)! His favorite sayings, "Say what you do, do what you say" and "Don't sweat the small stuff," weren't just mottos-they were how he lived.
Adventurous and extremely sociable, Jim had a lifelong love for connecting with people. A gifted athlete, he played rugby, football, soccer, and tennis in his youth, and later took up golf and bocce ball. A devoted fan of the LA Dodgers, Rams (until they moved), and the Lakers-especially during the Magic Johnson years-Jim always made time for sports, whether watching, playing or betting. Fishing trips were legendary, with playful wagers not only on the end of the annual trip's pool game but for "First Fish," "Biggest Fish," and "Prettiest Fish." Jim was never shy about enforcing the rule that the loser had to kiss the fish.
With a mischievous sense of humor and a fearless approach to dancing, he navigated each dance floor with practiced flair, swinging, two-stepping, or simply moving to the beat, his partners giggling at how fully he threw himself into it.
After Diane's passing, Jim was fortunate to find love again with Renae. Together, they played bocce ball and card games, went on cruises, and danced their way through three happy years. Jim lit up whenever Renae was near-until the very end.
Jim Miller leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, loyalty, and light. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who were lucky enough to know him. He is dancing with the angels.