Jim Miller, son of the late Otis Miller and Muriel Ward Miller was born on August 2, 1941 in Dexter, MO and departed this life on January 28, 2020 at his residence in Dexter at the age of 78.

Mr. Miller had two loves – his family and his farm. He graduated high school at the age of 16 and had a full ride scholarship to the University of Missouri, instead he decided to stay near family and learned everything he needed right from his tractor seat. He was a member of the Missouri Young Farmers Association and a recipient of the FFA State Farmer award in 1960. He was also an honorary lifetime member of the Bootheel Four Wheelers Association, where he provided lots of commentary at every truck pull he attended. He and his wife Karen were lifetime members of the Girl Scouts and they volunteered many hours at Camp Latonka. He was also a member of the Essex United Methodist Church.

He married the love of his life, Karen Sue Mann in Dexter on November 22, 1962. They were married nearly 53 years until her passing on November 9, 2015.

He is survived by his daughter, Lori and husband Eric Schiller of Nashville, Tennessee; by his only grandson, Landon and wife Ashley Miller of Dexter; his great grandson Levi James Miller; his daughter in law, Pam Miller of Essex; sisters in law, Brenda Miller of Eldon, Missouri and Nancy Whitney of Midland, Michigan and by several nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his only son, James Keith Miller; his brothers, Glenn Miller and Gale Miller; his sister, Brenda Pardon and sister in law, Susan Miller.

The family would like to especially thank Ashley Tilley for the loving care she provided Jim over the last several years and all the caregivers from VNA home health and hospice who provided comfort in his last days.

Visitation will be conducted on Friday, January 31, 2020 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. in the Mathis Funeral Chapel in Dexter.

Funeral services will be conducted on Saturday, February 1, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. in the Mathis Funeral Chapel in Dexter with Rev. Roy Sherfield officiating. 

Interment will follow in the Essex Cemetery.