James Watson Miller passed away on Tuesday, April 20, 2021 at the age of 82. James devoted much of his life to service--serving his country for 20 years in the USAF, serving the City of Hendersonville as Emergency Management Director. James served his community in many ways, including writing a column for the local papers and running a volunteer career networking group devoted to helping individuals make a positive change in their lives. In retirement, he fondly said that, aside from his military service, his favorite chapter was the years he taught as an adjunct professor at Volunteer State Community College.
James was born in 1938 in Belzoni, Mississippi, the son of a cotton farmer. He spent his youth working in the fields. After high school, he enlisted in the USAF for 4 years. Once he was honorably discharged, James attended Delta State College, meeting his wife of 57 years, Joyce Montgomery Miller. Upon graduation, he reenlisted in the Air force as an officer, retiring as a Major to Hendersonville, Tennessee, where he and Joyce raised their children, Doug and Deltah. Here James earned his Education Doctorate from Vanderbilt University and later worked as a consultant and college professor.
In 2002, James and Joyce sold their home and bought a sailboat. Together they sailed all around the East Coast, enjoying many adventures. After they sold the boat James and Joyce then explored the continental US in an RV for several years, eventually settling in Franklin, Tennessee, to be near their children and grandchildren.
James is survived by his wife, Joyce Montgomery Miller of Kilmichael, Mississippi; son, Doug Miller, daughter, Deltah Miller Roberts and son-in-law, Jeffery Roberts; grandsons, Garrett and Brock Miller, Caleb and Corey Roberts; granddaughters Elise Miller Schwartzman and Madison Bradford and 3 great-grandchildren.
A service will be held for James W Miller at Brentwood-Roesch-Patton Funeral Home in Brentwood, TN at 9010 Church St, Brentwood, TN 37027 at 2:00 pm on Sunday, April 25. He will be laid to rest with honors at North Mississippi Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Kilmichael, MS on Tuesday, April 27 at 2:30.
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