James Henry Miller

The family of Jim Miller announce with sorrow his passing. In his 83rd year surrounded by his family after a courageous and hard fought battle with Alzheimer’s he peacefully passed away on Sunday January 26, 2014 in Guelph, ON. The one battle he could not win.

Jim was born in Edinburgh, Scotland and was a lifelong Hearts fan. His family moved to Newcastle, England when he was a boy and he met and fell in love with the girl next door, Margaret (Peggy) Malloch, (his Maggie) who predeceased him in June 2011 after almost 60 years of marriage. He was a coal miner and an Army Staff Sergeant before immigrating to Canada in 1959 with Peggy and his two daughters, settling in New Toronto and having his third child, a son while working at Continental Can in New Toronto for over 30 years. He was heavily involved in the Lakeshore Men’s Industrial Soccer League. He moved to Bramalea in 1962, and completed his family with two more sons.

Having such a love of soccer, he, along with a small group organized Chinguacousy Minor Soccer in 1967. He served in many capacities; President, Coach, Manager, and Director from 1968 to 1982. Always keeping his primary goal in mind, the kids.

He also founded and served as President of Chinguacousy United Football Club, which had up to three competitive men’s teams until 1996.

In 1968 he co-founded the Chinguacousy Boxing Club (now known as Bramalea Boxing Club), another one of his passions.

He also served as the Central Director for the Ontario Minor Soccer Association and as the President/Member of the Brampton Soccer Funding Association for 10 years, 1984-1993.

Having dedicated so much time and effort to the organization of minor soccer in Bramalea, and watching his own children and grandchildren play all over the province, he was inducted into the Brampton Sports Hall of Fame on June 8, 2005.

Along the way he also found time to write beautiful and funny poems and song lyrics to his wife and children. He changed the lyrics to popular songs to fit many occasions, most about soccer. He also loved gardening and loved to present bouquets of his cut flowers to Peggy. He was extremely generous with his time and anything else he found worthwhile.

Leaving behind to celebrate his life are his children; Brenda (John) McGovern of Guelph, Susan (John) Tierney of Haliburton, Stephen Miller of Thorold, Keith (Andrea) Miller of Collingwood, and Andrew (Natalie) Miller of Hillsburgh.

His grandchildren, whom he would have been happy to spend every moment with and who will miss him deeply; Janice (Gord), Jean (Jay), Julie (Steve), Sheena (Andrew), Keith, Amber (James), James, Heather, David, Nicholas, Mathew, Shannon, Colin, Cameron, Jack, and Mira.

His great grandchildren who he enjoyed tremendously; Brittany, Dakota, Liam, Christopher, Victoria, Elizabeth, and Tyler, Branden, Nolan, and Austin.

He will also be deeply missed by his sister Kathleen Cairns of Oakville, his brother and sister-in-law Jack and Dot Birnie of Gravenhurst, his sister and brothers-in-law Sheila and Maurice Dunster, and Les Malloch of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, as well as nieces and nephews in Britain, Canada, and New Zealand.

The family would also like to give special thanks to his amazing grandchildren who never gave up on him and spent countless hours sitting with him and encouraging him.

Special thanks to his granddaughter Amber – who was with him every day, encouraging him, teasing him, feeding him, singing with him and quite frequently dancing up and down the halls with him. She was his greatest advocate.

Thanks to the following staff at Riverside Glen in Guelph; Lina, Lori, Jennifer, Lois, Louise, Jennifer, and Joe for all the special care they gave him.

Our father loved flowers, however, if so desired, donations to the Alzheimer’s society would be greatly appreciated by the family.

A memorial service will be held on February 13, 2014, at Andrew’s Community Centre, 8190 Dixie Rd Bramalea. Visitation will be from 1-3pm with a with a celebration of his life to follow.