James Matthew Miller

Miller, James Matthew

Of Jackson, MI, completed his final flight on Earth and now enjoys clear skies and unlimited golf rounds above. Born on January 25, 1956, to Leo and Phyllis Miller, Jim was the seventh act in a 12-sibling circus—though depending on who you asked, he might have claimed to be the ringmaster.

A proud graduate of Queen of the Miraculous Medal School, Lumen Christi, Western Michigan University, and Spring Arbor University, Jim never met a diploma he didn't like or questionably earned. He later flipped the script by becoming a beloved Business professor at Jackson College, even bringing spreadsheets and supply chains to life for students in both classrooms and the Jackson County prison—where he insisted learning was the ultimate jailbreak.

Jim spent over 40 years at the helm of the family business, wearing more hats than a Kentucky Derby attendee. But compressors were his true love—besides Mary Brigid Miller, his bride of 42 years, who somehow never tired of hearing about PSI ratings and torque specs.
Jim's legacy lives on through his two children—Colleen (Richard) Salchow and Ryan (Alicia) Miller—both of whom inherited his sense of humor, work ethic, and suspiciously competitive hide-and-seek tactics. His five grandchildren—Dan, Paxton, Clare, Ford, and Bryson—already show signs of carrying on his traditions of goofiness, generosity, and possibly his questionable dance moves.

When not crunching business numbers or charming customers, Jim was an avid golfer, a ski patrolman who never met a mogul he couldn't tame (or at least negotiate with), and a licensed pilot who loved the freedom of the skies—though his family sometimes swears his driving on land was more dangerous.

Jim's wit, wisdom, and warm heart will be deeply missed—but rest assured, wherever he is now, he's probably organizing a foursome, teaching a class, or trying to sell a compressor to Saint Peter.

In honor of Jim's joyful spirit, the family requests that you crack a dad joke, tip your cap, or tell your favorite "Clyde Tale" over a cold beverage. Heaven just got a little louder, a lot livelier, and probably a new golf league.

The family would especially like to thank Carrie from Heartland Hospice for the care and support she has shown.

According to Jim's wishes cremation has taken place.  The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Queen of the Miraculous Medal Catholic Church on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at 10:30 AM with Fr. Timothy MacDonald officiating.

The family will receive friends at the church on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 from 9:30 to 10:30 AM.

In lieu of flowers contributions to Lumen Christi Catholic School, Queen's School or to the Knights of Columbus Council #609.

Desnoyer Funeral Home
Family Owned for 135 Years