James Miller

GROVER HILL, Ohio - James 'Jim' Craig Miller, 62, of Grover Hill, Ohio, died in his home Saturday morning, Jan. 7, 2012.

He was born March 8, 1949, to the late John C. and Rita (Thitoff) Miller.

Jim was a member of the Grover Hill Class of 1967 and served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He was employed at B F Goodrich Tire, Woodburn, Ind., for 43 years.

He married Mary Jo Richards on March 6, 1976, in Venedocia, Ohio, and they were blessed with three children. Left to cherish his memory is wife Mary Jo; son, Kerby Richards; daughter, Kalyn M; and son Dustin John (Jennafer), and faithful dog, Backee, all in the local 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. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by granddaughter, Paislie Rose Dickinson-Miller, and nephew, J.C. Caffro.

Through the years, Jim enjoyed hunting, fishing, bowling, golf, playing cards, and various other past-times. 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 VFW for 42 years. Jim also served his community as a member of the Grover Hill Volunteer Fire Department for over 25 years, West Branch Conservation Club, and the Masonic Lodge of Payne.

The family will receive friends and relatives at the Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home at 722 S. Washington St., Van Wert, Ohio, on Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2012, from 2-8 p.m. and Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2012, from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday with military services to follow at Middle Creek Cemetery.

The family's preferred memorials are to Grover Hill Welcome Park and Grover Hill Volunteer Fire Department.