James R. "Jim" Miller

Miller, James R. “Jim” age 58 of Kettering, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday September 20, 2023 at Miami Valley Hospital.  Jim was born September 16, 1965 in Troy, OH, son of the late Harold & Gloria Miller.  He was a graduate of Chaminade Julienne High School and was an employee of Libra Industries.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Gary S. Miller and his sister-in-law Kathey Miller.  He is survived by one brother David A. and wife Diane Miller of Jamestown; 2 nieces Bethan Miller and Amy Miller, and one nephew Greg Miller; numerous cousins, other relatives, and many friends.

Jim was an amazing person and an exceptional friend. He was passionately involved in so many of the things that life had to offer, and he left his mark on each of them. Jim loved fishing and was an accomplished tournament fisherman. He was also an incredible bait maker, having handmade various types of baits throughout the years. In the fishing community, he was well-known not only for his fishing abilities but also for making some of the best spinnerbaits, jigs, chatterbaits, and buzzbaits available. His attention to even the smallest details made his baits truly special. Whenever you bought anything from Jim, you could rest assured that it was carefully thought out and nothing short of perfection before he gave it to you.

Beyond fishing, Jim also had a great love for gardening and cooking. Both were another passion, to which he devoted a great amount of time and effort to. He maintained a meticulous garden, which he tended to with great care and dedication. Jim would carefully hand-select each ingredient, many of which came from his own garden, to ensure that every meal he made was going to be perfect for those he would be sharing it with.

Jim was a remarkable individual and a true friend to so many. He will be greatly missed.

A memorial service for family and friends will be held on Saturday October 28 at 3:30pm at the Morton & Whetstone Funeral Home 139 S. Dixie Dr. Vandalia.  The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 2:00pm until time of the service.  Because of Jim's love for animals, in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Montgomery County Animal Resource Center 6790 Webster St. Dayton, OH 45414 in Jim's memory.