Born January 2, 1927 in Pasadena, CA, James William Miller was known to all as Bill, and to a select group as Dad or Grandpa. He quietly fell asleep in Jesus in the early morning of January 6, 2014 in Redding California. Bill was 87 years old and had been married to the love of his life for 67 wonderful years.
Bill served as a medic in the Army in Korea during WWII. On returning home he married his high school sweetheart, Betty Louella Hofstar.
When he was four, his dad took him up for a ride in an airplane at an air show. He was hooked! He eventually obtained his private pilot's license in his 30's, bought a Cessna 120 and spent many happy hours flying. Betty Lou eventually "grounded " him after his second mid-air collision in which miraculously no one was hurt. He spent the rest of his life dreaming of the perfect way to build his own aircraft.
When he was nine, an aunt gave him some interesting rocks, which resulted in his lifetime hobby of rock collecting. He had an amazing collection from all over the US and South & Central America. After retirement he took up painting and pen & inks. He also taught himself to make arrowheads. He made a nice collection with different collors of obsideon that he collected.
Although Bill's main occupation was construction, he also spent a few years with airplanes; painting and aircraft body fabrication.
Bill leaves behind his beloved wife Betty Lou and their four children:
Robin Miller - Round Mountain, CA
Glenda Risch - La Clede, ID
Aletha Wehtje - Baker City, OR
Joy Tjaden - Fall River Mills, CA
He was so very proud of the legacy that he left. He had four children, 11 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren. He would brag that their descendants had reached 48 including those who married into the family. He loved his family so much, and he did everthing he could to take care of his family. He adored his wife, and showed us all what true love looked like.
Because we know that Bill loved God with all of his heart, we can all look forward to seeing him once again in God's kingdom.