James (Jim) Hiram Miller died on November 4, 2022, at the age of 81 after a seven year-struggle with Parkinson’s and frontotemporal degeneration. Jim was a highly energetic, creative, warm, witty and caring person. He had a mischievous twinkle in his eyes with a great sense of humor. Jim read constantly, was highly interested in politics and was a strong proponent of equitable public education and social justice. He took leadership roles with almost every group with which he was a part.
Jim was born in Gorman, Texas and grew up in Grand Prairie, Texas. He graduated from Grand Prairie High School, obtained a BA and Master’s in School Administration from North Texas State and an all-level Administrative Certification from Colorado State University. Jim was passionate about education and loved teaching and being a K-12 administrator for over 30 years. He taught elementary and middle school in Texas, Arizona, and Colorado, He also worked at the Texas Region XIII Educational Service Center and was a principal in Willis ISD and the Hays ISD.
After taking an early retirement from the educational field, he obtained an MSW degree from University of Texas at Austin. He greatly enjoyed providing services to adolescents, families, and couples as a clinical social worker for about 25 years. Throughout his careers, he received numerous awards and demonstrations of appreciation.
He was preceded in death by his parents Herschel and Dorcas Vaughter Miller, brother Herschel Vaughn Miller, parents-in-law Joe and Ofelia Vasquez and Harry Philo, sister-in-law Norma Vasquez Martinez and niece-in-law Jennifer Miller.
Jim and his spouse Melba had a profoundly deep, rich, and loving relationship. He had numerous warm friendships and will be missed greatly by all who knew him. He loved travel, and as an athletic person, he ran 10Ks and ½ Marathons; he played golf especially for the friendships involved.
He is survived by his spouse Melba Vasquez, his beloved daughter Cecilia Brittain (Luther), brother Tommy Miller (Lyn), sister-in-law Wanda Miller and numerous nieces, nephews, in-laws, their families, and step-grandchildren, all of whom were precious to him. A heartfelt appreciation to all who helped during Jim’s illnesses, including friends, neighbors, family members, many health workers and our amazing caregiver Georgina Solis and the wonderful Hospice staff.
A Celebration of Life/Memorial service will be held on February 4, 2023 at 1:00 pm at Brodie Homestead, Austin, Tx. Donations can be made in his memory to the Central Texas Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity or the Southern Poverty Law Center.