James 'Jim' Lewis Miller, Jr., 74

James (Jim) Lewis Miller Jr., 74, beloved husband, father, father-in-law, brother and grandpa, passed away May 7, 2024, at the family home in Kellogg, Idaho. Jim was born at the Wardner Hospital in Kellogg (McKinley Avenue) on Aug. 5, 1949, to James (Jim) and Pierina (Perry) (Truant) Miller.  

Jim was the oldest of five children born to Jim Sr. and Perry: Jim, Ed, Teresa, Pete and Mary. Jim attended St. Rita’s Catholic School, and later, Kellogg Jr. High School and Kellogg Senior High School, where he met his future wife, Delene Mae Van Vleet, and both of them graduated with the KHS Class of 1967. Jim and Delene Van Vleet were married in St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Wallace in March of 1971. The couple made their home in Kellogg, in Jim’s grandparents’ (Natale (Ned) Truant and Mary D’Andrea Truant) house on Mission Avenue. They worked hard, raised their children, contributed to their church and community and navigated retirement and career changes together in the house on Mission Avenue, moving across the alley in 1985 to 506 W. Mullan, where he and Delene still live. Jim attended the University of Idaho in Moscow, Idaho. After graduating from the University of Idaho in 1971 with a bachelor's degree in social work, Jim returned to Kellogg and worked for the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare for 23 years; he transitioned from that to the education field, where he thoroughly enjoyed working with students and staff, and often reminisced about his many dedicated friends and colleagues from Silver Valley Alternative School, Wallace Junior Senior High and Kellogg Middle School where he finished his career as a paraprofessional, mentor and after-school program volunteer in 2015. He was also selected as the 2015 Kellogg School District Employee of the Year. It would be impossible to quantify the number of lives Jim touched during his career. 

Highlighting James L. Miller Jr.’s selfless endeavors throughout his lifetime would be a monumental task. His service to his family, church, and community was exceptional and inspirational. Jim was particularly proud of his involvement in the Knights of Columbus — Father Cataldo Council No. 3762, and he thoroughly enjoyed attending many events sponsored by Kellogg School District. Jim was a philanthropist at heart, and he loved giving his time, talents and treasures to various endeavors. Of late, his particular joy came from supporting programs that his granddaughters were specifically involved in, including but not limited to KSD Music programs, KHS Fine Arts programs and the KHS Golf program. Jim’s devotion to these areas over the years led to his selection as the recipient of the 2005 George Wild Booster of the Year. It is also noteworthy that Jim underwent BKA (below-knee amputation) surgeries in 2012 and 2022 and refused to let those setbacks prevent him from doing what he loved. He re-learned to walk twice, and he inspired countless others with his determination, hard work and unrelenting positive attitude. 

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Jim Sr. and Pierina Miller, and his brother, Ed Miller. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Delene; his son, Simon (Amy); his daughter, Sarah; his four granddaughters: Gracie, Gia, Gemma and Gladys; three of his siblings (Teresa (Jerry) Duhamel, Pete and Mary); numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends.

A Rosary Vigil will be held at St. Rita's Catholic Church, Kellogg, on Thursday, May 23, at 6 p.m., and a memorial service celebrating Jim’s life will be held at St. Rita’s Catholic Church, Kellogg, on Friday, May 24, at 1 p.m. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donating to one of the organizations or programs listed above.

Memories of Jim and messages of condolence may be shared with his family online at www.shoshonefuneralservice.com.

Shoshone Funeral Services, Kellogg, is assisting the Miller family with arrangements.