James Craig Miller

James Craig “Jim” Miller, 62, of Grover Hill, died at his residence Saturday morning, January 7, 2012.

He was born March 8, 1949, to the late John C. and Rita (Thitoff) Miller. On March 6, 1976, in Venedocia, he married Mary Jo (Richards) Miller, who survives.

Jim was a member of the Grover Hill High School Class of 1967 and served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He was employed at B.F. Goodrich Tire in Woodburn, Ind., for 43 years. Through the years, Jim enjoyed hunting, fishing, bowling, golf, playing cards, and various other pastimes.

As an avid baseball fan, he was a member of the Cleveland Indians Club. He had a love of watching harness horse racing, especially his horse, Dutchess of Darvin. Jim was an active member and officer of Grover Hill Veterans of Foreign Wars post for 42 years. Jim also served his community as a member of the Grover Hill Volunteer Fire Department for more than 25 years, belonged to the West Branch Conservation Club and the Masonic Lodge of Payne.

In addition to his wife, survivors include a son, Kerby Richards; a daughter, Kalyn M.; and son, Dustin John (Jennafer; and faithful dog, Backee, all in the Grover Hill area. Other survivors include brothers Larry (Deb) of Van Wert; Lonnie (Sue) of Grover Hill and Roger (Deb) of Convoy, along with many beloved family and friends.

A granddaughter, Paislie Rose Dickinson-Miller; and one nephew, J.C. Caffro, also preceded him in death.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, January 11, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory in Van Wert. Burial will follow at Middle Creek Cemetery in Grover Hill, with military rites to be performed.

Calling hours are from 2-8 p.m. Tuesday, January 10, and from 1-2:30 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials: Grover Hill Welcome Park and Grover Hill Volunteer Fire Department.

Messages of condolence may be sent to www.alspachgearhart.com.