James E. Miller (1935-2016)

After a lifetime of loving others and being adored in return, James E. Miller, 80, of Springfield, MO passed away Saturday, Feb. 20, 2016. He is survived by family who thought he hung the moon; Sharon, his wife of 55 years, sons Jeff, Matt, and Chris, daughter-in-laws Angie, Stacy, and Alison, grandchildren Collin, Seth, Nora, Coco, Charlotte, and Lucy, sisters Betty, Gaylia, and Carol, and many nieces and nephews. He is reunited in heaven with an infant son, Mark, siblings Royal, Elzie, Milton, and Ella, and his parents, Laura and Elzie.
James E. to some, Jim to others; he was respected by all. Maintaining a law practice for more than five decades allowed him to serve as a trusted servant for countless families in the Springfield area. He served as Attorney for the cities of Willard, Battlefield, and Mansfield and proudly served on the boards of the Bank of Mansfield and the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum. His wisdom and professional expertise were complemented by his smiling eyes and stalwart nature, gifts that he also applied as an active member of the Lions Club and a devoted member and deacon of University Heights Baptist Church.
James was born in Hermitage, MO on December, 1, 1935. He attended college at Northeast Missouri State where he wooed Sharon McCullough. Undergraduates at the time of their meeting, they would go on to build a marriage that served as an example of what lifetime love can be. James obtained a law degree from the University of Missouri and served as Captain in the Air Force. Though he took pride in his professional accomplishments, the achievement of his life was raising sons who continue in his image. He took great satisfaction in the fact that after his retirement, his son Chris and daughter-in-law Alison continued to operate and grow the law practice of James E. Miller, P.C.
James E. will be remembered for his dry wit, rock solid dependability, and endless generosity. As he was a man who didn't hesitate to give away his legal services, time, or the gift of his presence, the family asks that in lieu of flowers or donations, that his life is honored with acts of kindness to those in need.
Visitation will be at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home on Tuesday February 23rd from 6 to 8 p.m. Funeral service will be held at University Heights Baptist Church on Wednesday February 24th at 11 a.m. Private family burial will full military honors will be held at Missouri Veterans Cemetery.