Jim Miller

James White “Jim” Miller, Jr., 66, passed away August 24, 2021, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Jim was born July 9, 1955, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to Darlene and James White Miller, Sr. “Jimmy” as he was known then, grew up in South Oklahoma City where he attended Rancho Village and Parmalee elementary schools as well as Webster Junior High. Jim graduated Southeast High School with the class of 1973.
Jim married Brenda Sue Young August 5, 1974, at Capitol Hill Free Will Baptist Church where her dad served as pastor. Jim and Brenda were blessed with four children Jimmy, Chris, Scharlee, and Ryan. They were his greatest accomplishments above all.
Jim loved and enjoyed working with his hands which led him to follow in his dad’s footsteps and started his apprenticeship as a sheet metal worker exactly one week after getting married. He finished his apprenticeship in 1978 at the top of his class. He later went on to teach future apprentices for several years and served on the Apprenticeship Committee. He worked on various sheet metal projects including donating much of the heat and air equipment for Heritage Family Baptist church. One of his last large-scale projects was the 50-story corporate skyscraper in downtown Oklahoma City known to all as the Devon tower, but to his grandkids it was “Pappy’s building”. Later in life Jim helped his son, Chris, start and manage a construction company building metal buildings all over northwestern Oklahoma and Arkansas.
Jim loved his family and enjoyed spending time with his kids and grandkids. His “bear” hugs were always a favorite at family events. His knowledge, experience, and interests combined to be a source of legendary real-world advice and everyone knew he was always just a phone call away for help when it was needed. He never turned down a friend in need. His interests were unlimited and he was always learning something new. He particularly enjoyed lake time with family, operating his ham radio, keeping up with the grandkids variety of events, passing on his knowledge of all things mechanical, exploring self-sufficient practices, and keeping Brenda updated on current events. His smile was always genuine and his jokes were a constant source of laughter for the family, even if they were “pappyisms”. He was among the best this world can offer and will be terribly missed.
Jim is survived by his wife of 47 years Brenda Miller; son Jimmy Miller; son Chris Miller and wife Ami; daughter Scharlee Gray and husband Micah; son Ryan Miller and wife Whitney; 10 grandchildren Jayce, Boden, Jett, Riley, Avery, Haddon, Rylan, Owen, Mia and Emeri; his mother Darlene Miller; and sister Jan Stratton. He is preceded is death by his father James Miller, Sr. and brother David Miller.