James W. Miller, 90, of Scottsbluff, passed away, Saturday, January 4, 2014, at Western Nebraska Veterans Home in Scottsbluff.
A memorial service will be held at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, January 14, 2014, at Elks Lodge in Scottsbluff. Cremation has taken place and inurnment will be in the West Lawn Cemetery in Gering. Dugan-Kramer Funeral Chapel and Cremation Services in Scottsbluff is in charge of the arrangements. Tributes of sympathy may be left at www.dugankramer.com
James was born June 18, 1923, at Huntsville, Alabama to William and Cora (Smith) Miller. He served in the United States Navy during World War II from June 17, 1941 to June 24, 1946. He was a survivor of the Japanese sinking of the USS Wasp in December 1942. He also served in the United States Navy during Korean Conflict from June 13, 1951 to October 13, 1952.
He met his wife Edith Mildred Raines on a blind date while station in California and they were engaged on their third date in August 1945. They were married on October 30, 1945, at the Naval Station in Norman, Oklahoma, where James was stationed at the time.
They moved to Scottsbluff in 1947, and later returned to Monterey, California while James served in the United States Navy. They then returned to Scottsbluff where James was produce manager at the Coop Food Store for many years.
Survivors include his niece, Betty Yates and special great-niece, “Little Buddy” Gavin DuVall both of Huntsville, Alabama; and dear longtime friends, Bridget and Leland Schmidt of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, formerly of Scottsbluff.
James was preceded in death by his wife, Millie on November 26, 2001.