James (Jim) T. Miller, age 85, of Wilmington, Delaware went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, September 19, 2019.
Jim graduated from Chester High School in 1952. On June 12, 1954, he married his adored sweetheart Jean Beardsley. When he was drafted by the army in 1956, Jim and Jean were stationed in Karlsruhe, Germany, where he was proud to serve his country.
Back on the home front, Jim was a Manager at Bell Atlantic for 39 years. Not ready to settle into retirement quite yet, he embarked on a second career as an accountant for the State of Delaware for ten years. Dedicated to his God and his church, Jim served at Bethel Baptist Church as a Deacon, Chairman of the Missions Team, and as an Elder; and enjoyed participating in several mission trips to Mexico.
Jim was an avid sports fan – and football and baseball topped the list. He played football in high school and for the Army. As a father, he coached Little League baseball, as well as the Sun Valley High School football team. In later years, there was nothing he loved more than to cheer on his favorite sports teams surrounded by his family. Those touched by the grace of his presence, his huge heart, the twinkle in his eye and quiet wisdom, also know Jim was fearless. To celebrate his 80th birthday he jumped out of a plane – and couldn’t wait to do it again. His strength, the joy he took in his family and gave to so many will be sorely missed.
Jim leaves his beloved wife of 65 blessed years, Jean; children Guy Miller, Gayle (Zeck) Santa Maria, Gregg (Shari) Miller, Gwen (Albert) Griffith, Gerri Miller; grandsons Shane Reilly, Brett Reilly, Zachary James Santa Maria, Justin Santa Maria; sister-in-law Frances Taylor; nieces Rebecca (Jim) McCarty, Sandy Taylor; nephew Jimmy Beardsley and grand niece Summer Beardsley, as well as a host of cousins and extended family.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, September 28 at 12pm at Bethel Baptist Church, 1217 Wilson Road, Wilmington, DE 19803. There will be a time to greet the family from 10am to 12pm prior to the service at the Church and a reception with lite refreshments immediately following the service in the church gymnasium. A later interment will be private. In lieu of flowers please make contributions to Bethel Baptist Church – Missions (1217 Wilson Road, Wilmington, DE 19803).
James T. Miller
Funeral Services
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, September 28 at 12pm at Bethel Baptist Church, 1217 Wilson Road, Wilmington, DE 19803.
There will be a time to greet the family from 10am to 12pm prior to the service at the Church.
A later interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers please make contributions to Bethel Baptist Church – Missions (1217 Wilson Road, Wilmington, DE 19803).
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