James Miller Jr.

James (Jim) Owen Miller Junior passed away March 8, 2023, at the age of 88, peacefully with whispers of “I love you” in the air. Born in northwestern Texas and a baby of the dust bowl he was a product of strong work, loyalty and family and it showed in his every demeanor. 

As a child his family moved to Parachute, CO which happened to be the spot where Kid Curry stole a rowboat from the Parachute Train Robbery of 1905. This began a foundation of love and dare we say, a near obsession of the Wild West and its outlaws and lawmen, which followed him throughout his life.

The family moved to Grand Junction, after Jim graduated from Grand Valley High School in 1954. In 1958 he met and married Norma and also joined the Army, 82nd Airborne, where he proudly served 3 years. He worked for 38 years with Mountain Bell retiring in 1991. 

In 1964 he joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He was a great man of faith who loved his Heavenly Father and his Savior Jesus Christ. He served his church in many capacities and offices, especially through the Scouting program and received the Silver Beaver for his contribution to scouting. 

His passion and fascination for the wild west led him to volunteer and serve on the council for Western Outlaw and Lawmen Association. Giving lectures and lessons all over the country as he gained notoriety for his historical knowledge. This  led to him being asked by Wyoming University to lecture.

He loved family, especially Norma, his sweetheart of 65 years. He also loved art and painting beautiful works that he usually gave to friends and family that became dear treasures. He loved popcorn with lots of butter. And because of this his home always smelled of oil paints and 

popcorn, to the chagrin of his wife. 

He was a fantastic story teller and in reading stories written by Jim we found that he wrote of funny moments, happy moments, family moments, and so many stories of cowboys of old. To quote Jim in one of his stories; “All in all it has been a good life”.

He is survived by his sweetheart and wife Norma Miller, sister Susan Marie, daughters Kathy Lange, Alice Young (Dan), Christine Miller (Taher) and Heidi Miller; 11 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends.   

Proceeded in death by, his parents, Bettye and James Owen Miller Sr,  his younger brothers John Miller, and Rick Miller Sr. and his grandson Troy Young.

Services will be Friday, March 17th at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at 2888 Orchard Avenue, Grand Junction. Viewing will be at 11:00am, Funeral Service at 12:00pm and a luncheon will follow.

Burial services with full military honors will be on April 10th at 1:00pm at the Veterans Cemetary at 2830 Riverside Parkway, Grand Junction.