Aaron “AJ” Miller, Ed.D.

A.J. Miller, age 93, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Friday, May 19, 2023. Born in Kansas City, Missouri, he grew up in Ardmore, Oklahoma and married his high school sweetheart Helen Marie Herber in 1947. After high school he completed an Associate of Science degree from Oklahoma A & M in electronics technology. He worked as an electronics technician for RCA (Radio Corporation of America) from 1950 -1951.

During the Korean War, A.J. enlisted in the Air Force, serving as a ground radar officer from 1951 to 1953, primarily at Lackland Air force Base, in San Antonio. During this time Helen and A.J. started a family with the birth of their first son, David. A second son, Paul followed two years later.

After his military service, A.J. returned to Oklahoma to complete a Bachelor’s Degree in Trade and Industrial Education at Oklahoma State University. While serving as an Assistant Director of Trade and Industrial Education at Oklahoma State University, he completed a Master’s degree in Trade and Industrial Education in 1960 followed by a doctoral degree in Higher Education.

The family moved to Oklahoma City from Stillwater in 1964 where he served as Director of Vocational Education for the Oklahoma City Public School System. In 1966, the family moved to Columbus, Ohio where A.J. became the Coordinator of Training and Development at the National Center for Research in Vocational Education, a position he held until 1972. During his tenure at the Center he was project director for one of the first national initiatives in Career Education.

A.J progressed through the ranks at O.S.U.’s Department of Vocational and Technical Education from Associate Professor to Full Professor in 1982. He served in a variety of capacities including department chair and Acting Associate Dean for Academic Affairs in the College of Education. After he retired he was awarded the status of Professor Emeritus in 1993.

A.J. was active in several professional organizations such as the National Association of Industrial and Technical Educators. He authored more than 30 timely publications in his field and was often engaged as consultant in both the U.S. and abroad, including the People’s Republic of China, the Republic of Mauritius and the United Arab Emirates. In retirement, A.J. served as Commissioner for the National Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (1997-2001).

A.J. loved music. He used to play the guitar and sing corny songs (Pistol Packin’ Mamma, The Cooties and the Bed Bugs, etc.) to his boys when they were little. On a more serious note, in high school he was a member of a four-person choral group that won their Oklahoma State high school singing competition. He played the organ by ear and taught his granddaughter Andrea how to play the harmonica and ukulele. He was a choir director at several churches and loved going to see the Columbus Symphony Orchestra.

A.J. was an active reader. After going blind from macular degeneration in his 70’s, he avidly pursued audio books, had a complete collection of The Great Courses on tape and CD. and explored the newest technologies for the blind.

In retirement, A.J. and Helen resided at the Forum at Knightsbridge. Socially, A.J. hosted a weekly Coffee and Conversation group at the Forum, met every other week with friends to discuss religion, philosophy and current events, and was a member of a group of fellow retired educators known as the R.O.M.E.O.’s (Retired Old Men Eating Out) who met each Friday for lunch to talk, tell stories and joke. He was known for his colloquial Oklahoma humor and quick wit.

A.J. was a member of Maize Road Baptist Church, Lane Avenue Baptist Church and the Crossing Community church, and enjoyed attending meetings of the Torch Club. He was preceded in death by Helen and is survived by his sons David (Denise) and Paul (Kathy), grandchildren Nicole (Neil), Matthew (Liz) and Andrea Treon (Kali), and great grandson Jericho.

A friend referred to A.J. as one who does not parade pretense – a man of wit, quiet wisdom and zest for life. This characterizes the 93 years he shared with us. Rest in peace beloved friend.

Family will receive friends on Saturday, June 3 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST CHAPEL, 1740 Zollinger Rd, Columbus, OH 43221, with a memorial service following at 4:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the American Civil Liberties Union or a charity of your choice. Visit www.schoedinger.com to view a more detailed obituary and share memories of A.J.