Obituary of James J. Miller

Ithaca - James J. "Jim" Miller, 89, of Ithaca NY, formerly of Clifton Park, NY. Born September 18, 1925, he was the son of the late James S. and Regina Bosher Miller, passed away on Monday, December 15, 2014. He is survived by his five children and their spouses: Mary Jean (Peter) Willis of Coxsackie, NY, Christopher (Debbie) Miller of Oneida NY, Thomas Miller of Ithaca, NY, Joseph (Christen Bonacci) Miller of Ithaca, NY, John (Kim) Miller of Albany, NY and by six nieces and nephews, eleven grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren. After graduation from Vincentian Institute he enlisted in the Navy and trained as a pilot. After the war Jim attended RPI where he met his wife of 48 years, Venera "Edie" Miller. Together they raised five children in Clifton Park, putting all of them through parochial school and college. Jim worked most of his career as a metallurgical engineer at the Watervliet Arsenal where he developed ultrasonic methods for detecting cracks in cannon. He received a patent for his technique and traveled frequently to Australia, Korea, Germany and Japan to train our allies in the technique. Jim was an avid outdoorsman and led Boy Scout troops and his own children on canoe trips throughout the Adirondacks, Algonquin Provincial Park and up to James Bay. In 2006 Jim moved to Ithaca to be closer to family. Jim's life was characterized by his generosity to the church, his family and anyone who asked him for help. His favorite cause was the Pyramid Life Center, a retreat run by Sister Monica Murphy, CSJ, which has helped shape the lives of three generations. Jim was predeceased by his parents, by his wife Edie, and by his sister Kathleen O'Connor. Funeral 8:00 o'clock Saturday morning from the Reilly & Son Funeral Home, Colonie and at 9:00 o'clock at Christ the King Church, 20 Sumpter Ave., Guilderland. Interment will be at St. Agnes Cemetery in Menands. Calling hours will be Friday from 5 - 7 p.m. in the funeral home. The parish family of Christ the King will meet at 5:00 o'clock at the funeral home for a service of prayer and remembrance. All are welcome. Memorial contributions can be made to the Pyramid Life Center, Box 103, Paradox, NY 12858 or the charity your choice.