James A. Miller

James Miller, age 78, passed away peacefully Saturday, October 20, 2012, at Lake Park Nursing Home. He was born July 17, 1934 to Clarence and Coletta Miller.

As a young man, Jim served in the U.S. Army, stationed in Italy, where he honed the mechanic skills taught him by his brothers and father.

He worked in maintenance at Owens-Illinois DuraGlass Center in Toledo, retiring in 1987, and later worked at Kloster Research & Development of Toledo, and NAMSA World Headquarters in Northwood, OH. Jim also completed VA courses in Plumbing, Heating & Air, and Locksmithing. He was known for his ability to fix or build nearly anything, or to invent a solution to a problem, and could always be counted on to lend a helping hand to friends and family.

Jim was an avid motorcyclist who was a lifetime member of the Dux MC of Ottawa Lake, Michigan. He and his wife, Susan, enjoyed many motorcycle trips together. He enjoyed the hobby of woodcarving and model railroading, among others.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Coletta Miller; brother, John Dale (Jean) Miller ; sister, Patricia Case; brother-in-law, Richard Case; sister-in-law, Mary Miller; and son-in-law, Mark Grodi.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Susan; daughters, Denise (Guy) Pitzen, Lynne (Chris) Rupley and Christine (Robert) Coehrs; brother, Clarence Miller, Jr.; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; brothers- and sisters-in-law and numerous nieces, nephews and great- nieces and nephews.

Friends may visit the family on Saturday, November 3, 2012 from 1-3:00 p.m. at Newcomer Funeral Home, 4150 W. Laskey Rd. (419-473-0300). Memorial Services will begin in the funeral home on Saturday at 3:00 p.m.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Lake Park for their excellent care of Jim over the past year and a half.

Memorial Contributions in his name may be made to the National Parkinson Foundation at http://www.parkinson.org.