Jim Miller

James or Jimmy as he was referred to as a child, and Jim as an adult, was born in Wichita Falls, Texas to Caron Hardin Miller and Robert Stephen Miller at Shepard Air Force Base. Jim was a sensitive, contemplative, and loving child with a sense of wonder for nature and all animals, especially his childhood pets Honey, Sugar, and Tinkerbell.

Jim's father Robert was an Air Force Officer who was often away from home. Sadly, Robert died suddenly from a heart attack in 1975 at the age of forty. Following his death, Jim felt he needed to be the “Man of the House” for his mother and two older sisters, Fara Miller McLaughlin and Laura Miller Stranlund.

Moving to Fort Worth, Texas from Virginia after his father’s death, Jim was an active boy, playing ice hockey through high school. Jim attended Eastern Hills High School from 1978-1982. Upon graduation, Jim attended the University of Texas in Arlington studying computer science management.

Jim was married to his former wife Tracy Smith Heffner from 1990 to 1995. They had one beautiful child together, Meghan Elyse Miller. Tracy and Jim remained supportive of each other, with their families often celebrating holidays and family events together. Meghan’s family and circle of love with Jim was unbroken. The bonds of family include Tracy’s husband Bobby Heffner and his two children, Drew and Taylor. Jim was also devoted to his nephews, Jonathan Matthew Miller, Benjamin David Young, Ethan Robert Young, and Adam Robert Gold, as well as, his great nephew and namesake, Matthew James Miller, son of his oldest nephew, Jonathan.

Jim started his computer management career at Halliburton in their mainframe computer center. He went on to support the corporate computer data center at Pier One and then to Mobius Management Company as their Pacific Rim Business Development Manager. Jim’s career took him across the globe where he enjoyed meeting many new people, learning and sharing their customs and culture. Jim particularly enjoyed Hong Kong, Tokyo, Sidney, Rio de Janeiro, and other exciting cities.

After the stress of traveling internationally for more than a decade, Jim experienced a severe heart attack, combined with a degenerative spinal disease. Jim’s chronic medical conditions forced him back home to Texas to focus on his health and family, especially his beloved Meghan.

Meghan attended Holy Cross Christian School in Burleson from pre-school through 5th grade. Jim was a big part of Holy Cross during that time, and many classmates, parents, and teachers have shared fond memories of him. He loved Holy Cross and was grateful to this wonderful school for providing Meghan with the Christian values and faith she has carried with her to this day.

Meghan was always very active in sports, including softball, volleyball and track. Jim was usually present to support Meghan and thoroughly enjoyed watching his daughter in action. He was Meghan’s biggest fan and cheerleader. Meghan's teammates, their parents, and her coaches agree that Jim loved being at her games and helping whenever he could.

After graduating from college, Meghan started her career in Dallas, closer to her father. In recent years, Meghan and Jim enjoyed weekly Wednesday lunches at her apartment with her dog Sawyer "Bean". Jim loved this time they shared together — this was their special time, bringing them closer than ever before.

One of Jim's most valuable connections to Meghan was their shared love of music. This started at an early age when he took her to her first concert to see the Backstreet Boys. They attended many concerts over the years, including seeing their favorite band, the Kings of Leon. They also loved Matchbox 20, Keith Urban, Rascal Flatts, John Mayer, Goo Goo Dolls, and many others. Jim often returned from work trips with new music for Meghan.

Jim’s mother Caron was devoted to Jim’s medical care and treatment for more than fourteen years. Despite his health problems, Jim lived his best life, generously attending to the needs of others. Jim was known to share kind moments with strangers, to purchase food and other items for homeless individuals in Fort Worth, and delivering smiles and comfort to the needy.

Over the last five years, Jim turned intently to his religious and spiritual life. Jim was a devoted student of the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda and the Self Realization Fellowship (SRF) in Dallas. Jim embraced a daily meditation and mindfulness practice, which also deepened his Christian faith and belief in his soul’s ultimate return to God.

Jim’s love of animals, especially his beloved Golden Retriever Molly, was a great source of comfort and purpose. Molly was his constant companion and was often aware of Jim’s medical needs. A new furry friend, Mr. Dinks, joined Jim, Molly, and Jim’s mother Caron in 2017. His two four-legged companions loved Jim and he devoted himself to their love and care, especially in the last year of his life. Jim passed away peacefully at home, in his sleep, with Molly and Mr. Dinks by his side.

Despite our grief, we are all blessed to have the memory of Jim’s light and laughter. His kindness and compassion will be the lasting legacy of his life, and will be remembered by all who loved and knew him.

A visitation for Jim will be held Wednesday, March 7, 2018 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Moore Funeral Home, 1219 North Davis Drive, Arlington, Texas. A memorial service will occur Wednesday, March 7, 2018 at 2:00 PM, at Moore Funeral Home, with a reception following the service.