James W. “Jim” Miller, 88, of Garay Lane in Port Washington passed away on Sunday, December 25, 2016 at Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center in Milwaukee.
Jim was born on February 29, 1928 in Port Washington, Wisconsin to William and Norine Larsen Miller. He attended Port Washington High School and later served in the United States Army from 1946 to 1947. Jim married Rita Mae Remitz on April 23, 1949 in Port Washington, Wisconsin where they raised their family of five children. She preceded him in death on July 4, 1988. Jim married Vivian Ott on May 26, 1990 in Port Washington. They lived in Port Washington and wintered in Sun City, Arizona.
In 1963, Jim founded his business, J. Miller Electric in Port Washington. He was a member of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA). Although he retired in the early 1990’s he frequently stopped by his shop at Miller Electric to support his son Paul, who carries on his father’s legacy. He was a member of the Port Washington Rotary Club and enjoyed helping the club with the electrical needs for their annual Fish Day stand. For many years, Jim enjoyed meeting his lifelong friends for coffee at Harry’s Restaurant in Port Washington. The group later met for their daily coffee at McDonald’s in Port Washington where they reminisced about their lives. Jim was an accomplished woodworker and proudly made clocks for all of his children. He volunteered much of his time as a monitor in the woodworking shop at the Sun City, Arizona retirement center. He loved his large blended family and being with his many friends.
Jim is survived by his wife Vivian of Port Washington, children Paul Miller of Port Washington, Steven J. Miller of Bay View, Timothy J. (Kristie) Miller of Gig Harbor, WA, Lisa (Steve Brody) Miller-Brody of Gilbert, AZ and Lynn M (Lee) Ferguson of Ford, England. He is further survived by step-children Diane (Charles) Scudder of Newport News, VA, Nancy Kartheiser of Cedarburg, Lori (Jim “Skeeter”) Ashworth of Milwaukee and Daniel Linden of Grafton; grandchildren Melisa (Derek) Miles, Elizabeth Demge, Rebecca Demge, Emily Miller, Brandon Brody, Evan Brody, David Brody, and Christopher Brody. He is also survived by 5 step-grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, 2 step-great-grandchildren, his sister Marilyn Nelson and sister-in-law Irene Skruby, both of Port Washington, his canine pal Schatzi, nieces, nephews, and many other relatives and friends.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Rita, his stepson Jerome Linden, Jr. and stepson-in-law Jim Kartheiser.
Visitation will be held on Friday, December 30th, from 3 to 6pm at Poole funeral home in Port Washington. Pastoral Associate Deb Hamm will preside funeral services at 6pm, also at the funeral home.
POOLE FUNERAL HOME/Crematory, Port Washington assisting the family. Information and condolences available at www.poolefh.com or 262/284-4431.