Jim was born July 28, 1934, to William and Frances (Oetker) Miller in Marshalltown. He graduated from Van Cleve High School in 1952 where he played basketball and baseball. Jim was united in marriage to Jean (Schott) Miller on June 18, 1960, in Perry, IA. He was employed with Marshall Printing Company as a printer pressman for nearly 40 years retiring in 1996. Jim was a member of the St. Mary Catholic Church where he sang with the funeral choir. He was also a 3rd and 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus. He volunteered at the House of Compassion and the Emergency Food Box. Jim enjoyed playing slow pitch softball, bowling, camping and dancing at Forrest Park Ballroom. Family was very important to him. He especially enjoyed watching his grandchildren participate in their many sports and activities.

Jim is survived by his wife of almost 60 years Jean; his 5 children: David Miller, of Marshalltown, Doug (Carolyn) Miller, of Algona, IA, Diane (Chad) Miller, of Conrad, Debra (Mike) Stein, of Iowa City and Father Dennis Miller, of Bellevue, IA. His grandchildren: Dana (Brooke) Miller, Dustin Miller, Andrew Miller, Amanda Miller, Abby (Ethan) Charley, Mitch Miller, Allison Stein, Hannah Stein, Sam Stein and Luke Stein. He is also survived by his brother Clarence (Donna) Miller and a sister Helen Prazak, both of Marshalltown.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, his sisters; Erma Rebik and Luella Schoborg and bothers; Vernon Miller and Don Miller.