John was born on December 10th 1944 to the late Luke Millard Miles and Willnetta Eileen McNeely Miles at their home in Shelby County Indiana. He left home at the age of 15 to live with his best friend Kenny Swisher and family after his parents divorced in an effort to relieve the financial burden placed on his mother. He graduated from Whiteland High School in 1963 and attended Indiana Central College for a brief time. His favorite memories were of his years in high school where he was active in boy scouts, FFA, marching band, and drama club. He was drum major his senior year as well as Key Club President. He was also the drummer in a band called The Rivieras and played at various events in the Whiteland area.
John married in 1967, though this relationship did not last and both went on to re-marry they had two children together. During this time he joined the Indiana Army National Guard where he served for 6 years.
He moved to Victoria Texas in 1983 for a job with Victoria Machine Works, and lived the remainder of his life there. He had various jobs over the years, many involving sales, and talking with people, which was his passion. He accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior in 1984, saying the “sinners prayer” while listening to a Jimmy Swaggard record. He always said he didn’t walk into his faith he hit the ground running as he had lots of years and sins to make up for. He lived the rest of his life serving God and trusting Him even when things were difficult. He joined Parkway Church in 1994 and served faithfully there in various ways for over 30 years leading small groups, teaching bible studies, leading divorce recovery, singing on the praise team and greeting. He was also honored to serve as Deacon.
He married Cathy Rhodes in 1996 and together they served the Lord and had a passion for crafting and creating many treasures for almost 30 years. He loved God, his family, and his church and it showed in all he did. His greatest joy was his children and grandchildren and was honored that in the last month of his life they were all able to visit him in Texas.
John is survived by his wife Cathy, his daughters Krista (David) Stravach of Pennsylvania and Shelly Schaefer of Texas, son Jeremy (Luz) Miles of Pennsylvania, his precious grandchildren L. Stravach, Quinn Stravach, Gillian Stravach, and Iyla Miles. He is also survived by his sisters Penny Peters of Arizona, Cindy Crump of Indiana, and brother Donald Miles of Missouri. He was preceded in death by his parents Millard Miles, Willnetta McNeely, and brother Richard Miles.
Visitation will be held on Friday, January 2, 2026 from 5-7pm at Rosewood Funeral Chapel. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2026 at 10am at Rosewood Funeral Chapel, with burial to follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jeremy Miles, David Stravach, Charles Windham, Larry Dunn, Travis Gill, and Sam Rhodes. Honorary pallbearers will be Mike Rhodes and Mark Murray.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in his honor to Hospice of South Texas or MD Anderson.
Please take a moment to share fond memories and words of comfort by visiting www.rosewoodfuneralchapel.com.
