Jerry J. Miller

Jerry J. Miller, 69, of West Des Moines passed away unexpectedly at home of a stroke on April 1, 2010. Visitation will be held Sunday April 4, from 4 to 7 p.m. at St. Timothy's Episcopal Church, 24th and Ashworth, West Des Moines. A memorial service will be held Monday, April 5, at 10 a.m. at St. Timothy's Episcopal Church, West Des Moines.

Jerry was born on November 18, 1940 in rural St. Marys, Warren County, Iowa to Henry H. and Bonnie E. (Parker) Miller. Jerry graduated from Valley High School, West Des Moines in 1958. He married Jacqueline Johns May 29, 1959 in Des Moines. Jerry and Jackie celebrated their 50th anniversary with a cruise to Alaska with their daughters and grandchildren.

A strong citizen of our community, Jerry was a man of great character and was an exceptional business leader earning the respect and admiration of all who met him. He had a successful lifelong career as an entrepreneur. He attended Drake and Grandview Colleges. He worked for John Deere as a tool and die maker, then accepted employment with Ad Color Press, Des Moines. Jerry purchased Acme Printing Co. Inc. in 1976. Jerry has nurtured Acme Printing to become a leader in the communication and graphic arts industry. Jerry was the President of the Des Moines Club of Printing House Craftsman from 1981 - 1982. From 1987 to 1992 Jerry served on the Printing Industries Board of the Midlands. In 1989 he was awarded the Des Moines Entrepreneurial Spirit Award. In 1991 Jerry was awarded the Keyman Award from the Des Moines Club of the Printing House Craftsman and in 1995 the Iowa Distinguished Printer of the Year from Printing Industries of the Midlands. In 2006 he received the Executive of the Year award from Executive Women's International.

Jerry served on the boards of Hawkeye Bank and Trust and the Girl Scouts of Iowa. He was also a member of the Des Moines AM Rotary Club and Practical Farmers of Iowa.

Jerry's passions in life included his farm in Warren County, his beloved dog Rudy and most importantly his family, especially his grandchildren.

Jerry is survived by his wife Jacqueline; his daughters Jennifer Miller (Patrick Mealy), Davenport; Amy Miller, West Des Moines; grandsons Alex Mealy and Jacob Armstrong, West Des Moines; two granddaughters Anastasha Mealy, Davenport and Thea Natvig, West Des Moines; and sisters Freda Smith, Indianola; Jan (Don) Gamble, Oklahoma City; Evelyn Miller, Norwalk and Darlene Williams, West Des Moines.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Sarah Hagen and brother Larry Miller; two nieces and two nephews.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa.