Joseph S. Miller

Joseph S. Miller, 65, of Springfield, died on Saturday, January 16, 2016 at Memorial Medical Center. Joseph was born July 9, 1950 in Springfield, the son of Joseph W. and Patricia E. Chambers Miller. He married his high school sweetheart, Barbara LaHart, on November 25, 1972 in Springfield. Joseph graduated from Griffin High School in 1968 and earned his bachelor's degree from Eastern Illinois University where he was active in student government and a member of Delta Chi. He earned his JD in 1976 from John Marshall Law School. He was in private practice for over 20 years at Miller Law Office. He was employed with the Sangamon County Public Defender's Office for over 20 years and the State Appellate Defender's Office in the Death Penalty Defense Unit for 2 years. Joseph was a member of Church of the Little Flower and past school board member. He was also a member of the Sangamon County Bar Association, Illinois State Bar, and mentored many young attorneys. He was named Irishman of the Year in 2013 by the Sons and Daughters of Erin. Joseph was a very caring, kind, and hard-working man. He was a great husband, father, older brother, and uncle. Joseph had friends from all walks of life. He was known for his story-telling ability and always looked forward to sharing his stories with the lunch group. He was an avid Chicago Cubs, Bears, Bulls, and Blackhawks fan. He enjoyed playing golf, woodworking, playing softball, and coaching his children's basketball, softball, and soccer teams. He is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Miller of Springfield; son, Joe Miller of Springfield; daughter, Jennifer (fianc, Joe Rada) Miller of Chicago; siblings, Bob (wife, Karen) Miller of Springfield, Peggy (husband, Lyle) Canum of Springfield; Marian (husband, Tom) Adame and Polly (husband, John) Davis, both of Las Vegas, NV; Patty (husband, Bill) Shafer of Springfield; and Kathy (husband, Scott) Vost of Louisville, KY; sister-in-law, Janet (husband, Ray) Isaia of San Antonio, TX; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and great-nieces and nephews. Cremation was accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center prior to ceremonies. Memorial Gathering: Family will receive friends from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Visitation will begin with a prayer service at 4:00 p.m. Memorial Ceremony: 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 22, 2016 at Church of the Little Flower, 800 Stevenson Dr., Springfield with Rev. Msgr. John R. Ossola, celebrant. Burial will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to: Church of the Little Flower School, 800 Stevenson Dr., Springfield, IL 62702 or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142. Memphis, TN 38148.