James J. Miller passed away Sunday night on September 1, 2019 surrounded by his loving family. He left his earthly life at the age of 82 years young and went on to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Born in Eunice, LA on April 20, 1937. He graduated from St. Edmund’s Catholic School in Eunice and went on to attend McNeese State University on a rodeo scholarship. During his college career, he went on to capture the title of National All-Around Cowboy. Along with his teammates, they brought home the National Championship trophy for 3 years. Jim went on to compete on the professional level in the R.C.A. and advancing himself to the NFR top 15 Bareback riders in 1960.
He caught the attention of a movie producer while at the NFR not only for his riding skills, but for his good looks. Hollywood was calling Jim, but he turned them down as he had a young family with aspirations of opening a cattle business.
In 1963, he moved his family to DeQuincy and started Miller Livestock. This business became his passion and was the love of his life. He eventually expanded with locations in Beaumont, Deridder, and Lake Charles. His passion allowed him to serve his customers for over 50 years. Jim donated much of his time and skills to promote 4-H, FFA and the Cattleman’s industry. Miller Livestock was among the top 50 businesses in Calcasieu for several years.
Jim served on the National Rodeo Historical Society Board of Directors (National Cowboy Hall of Fame) in OKC, OK and was elected as President. He was one of the first inductees into the McNeese State Rodeo Hall of Fame. His recent achievement was being awarded into the 4-H SWLA Hall of Fame along with many other awards and appointees.
He is a member of St. Theodore’s Catholic Church in Moss Bluff.
He is survived by his children; Bridget Armistead (Randy) of Moss Bluff, Shirley Sweat (Joey) of DeQuincy, Cindy Milner (Jerry) of Moss Bluff and Clay Miller of DeQuincy. Grandchildren; Jeff Armistead, Fancy Joffrion, Stacey Nolan, Lacey Hungerford, Henry Milner, Ben Milner, Devaney Benton, Dylan Miller and Layton Miller and Taylor McCall He was blessed with 15 Great-Grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his dear parents, Ben and Eva Miller of Eunice, LA. His beloved sons, Jay and Hank Miller. His brother, Dr. Jack D. Miller and sister, Beneva Langolois.
Visitation will be held at Hixson’s Funeral Home at in Moss Bluff on Wednesday Sept. 4th from 5pm- 9pm, with ACTS Holy Rosary at 6pm.
Funeral Mass service will be held Thursday at 11.00 am at St. Theodore’s Catholic of Moss Bluff. Father Whitney will officiate. Burial will follow at Perkins Cemetery in DeQuincy.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) at alzfdn.org
