James Miller

James Miller age 75, of Missoula, Montana passed away Wednesday, June 21, 2017, at his residence with his two sons by his side after a long battle with cancer.

Jim was born January 12, 1942, to Alfred and Wilma Miller. He was raised in Elsie, MI where he was the oldest of six children. Jim excelled in all sports in high school and as a result was offered a football scholarship to play college football in Colorado. After finishing his freshman year he vacationed in Montana and never left. He then attended the University of Montana and graduated with a teaching degree and there he met his future wife, Judy Stowe, and later married in 1968.

Jim started his 25-year teaching career in 1967 at Hellgate High School. During this time he and Judy had two sons, Scott and Monty, and later divorced in 1986.

Jim was an avid outdoorsman and found his greatest joy in the mountains or on the water hunting and fishing and watching his grandchildren participate in sporting events.

His generous nature and selflessness made him an unforgettable father, brother, friend and neighbor to everyone who was fortunate enough to know him. Jim’s positive outlook and passion for life made a difference to everyone around him.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Dick and his niece, Trudy. He is survived by his sisters; Barb and Judy, his brothers; Charlie, and Mark and his wife Becky, and sister-in-law Barbara K., sons; Scott (Lisa) and Monty (Krista), grandchildren; Gabriel, Isabel and Tristan, and several nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Gathering will be held Sunday, July 16, 2017 from 3 p.m. till 6 p.m. at the Elsie United Methodist Church’s Fellowship Hall, in Elsie, MI.

Jim last wish would be that everyone take a day and go fishing.

The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie, MI.  Online condolences can be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com