James W. Miller, 76, unexpectedly passed away on Friday, April 26, 2024 surrounded by his loving family. Jamie was a devoted husband, brother, father, papa, and uncle who will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and neighbors. Ever the thrill seeker, Jamie loved skydiving, hiking, rock climbing, and rappelling. He earned a black belt in Taekwondo, ran at least 11 marathons, and climbed the Telluride Via Ferrata at age 71. Some of his greatest joys were spending time in the mountains, being with his dogs and grandkids, and making people feel good with his kind smile and infectious laugh.
Born in Columbus, Ohio to Bob and Mary Miller, Jamie grew up with his sister Marcia and graduated from Upper Arlington High School in 1966, where he pole vaulted for the track team. In 1967, Jamie enlisted in the US Army and joined the 82nd Airborne during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged after 3 years of active duty in Vietnam and returned to attend Ohio State University for the Radiological Technologist program, where he met his beloved wife of 52 years, Cindy. Jamie and Cindy were married during the great flood of 1972. They had 3 daughters, Kristen, Kelley, and Lindsey, and life was filled with dance, gymnastics, and cheerleading.
While Jamie’s primary profession was in radiological equipment sales, his heart for adventure and passion for helping others led him to become a certified Emergency Medical Technician. He volunteered at Upper Arlington Fire and worked for Washington Township Fire. He went on to become an instructor at Columbus State, where he taught rope rescue and swift water rescue courses to students in the Fire Science program. He volunteered for multiple Over the Edge fundraising events and loved taking people climbing.
Jamie was a proud Army veteran and was always wearing his parachutist badge. He volunteered as a tour guide at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum, as well as volunteered at Riverside Methodist Hospital visiting with hospitalized veterans. In September of 2023, Jamie traveled to Washington, D.C. with Honor Flight of Columbus and celebrated his service to our country alongside other senior veterans. He didn’t often talk about it, but he was a strong believer in God and a member of First Community Church. Music was always a big part of his life and he loved talking about bands and concerts. He owned multiple drum sets and played them at family parties. Jamming on the conga drums while his girls danced along, are some of his family’s most treasured memories.
Jamie would say his greatest accomplishment was building a strong family. While he joked of being the only male in a life of dance costumes and barbie dolls, he loved being the number one man in his girls’ lives. He felt lucky to finally have some guy time with his son-in-laws. Jamie was a dedicated Papa to Tommy, Ben, Elliott, and Roxy, never missing an opportunity to be at a sporting event, hang out and watch a show, or take them along on one of his adventures. He would say, “Stick together. Family is everything.” Whether you were a long time friend or brand new neighbor, he made you feel like you were part of his family.
Jamie is survived by his wife Cindy Miller (nee Belardine), sister Marcia Coddington, daughters Kristen (Ryan) Pavlasek, Kelley (Matt) Evans, and Lindsey (Elliott) Bonnie. He will be deeply missed by his 4 grandchildren Tommy, Ben, Elliott, and Roxy, as well as, his in-laws Tim (Renita) Belardine and Melanie (Rocco) Cutri. He was the best uncle to his nephews Trevor (Michelle) Coddington and Matt (Kristen) Belardine and nieces Bree (Baron) Fulp, Molly (Charlie) DiPalma, and Kamy Belardine. He is preceded in death by his parents James R. Miller and Mary Miller, brother in-laws Quick Coddington and Anthony Belardine, and best furry friends Tucker, Jake and Macy.
At Jamie’s request, a party that brings people together in laughter and love to celebrate his life will be planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to the National Veterans Memorial and Museum or Honor Flight of Columbus. Please visit www.schoedinger.com to share memories and condolences. Funeral arrangements entrusted to SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST.
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