Dr. James "Jim" Miller's Obituary
Dr. James "Jim" Miller of Fort Myers, Florida passed away July 18th, 2024, at the age of 78 after a ten-year journey with Alzheimer's.
He was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana to Paul and Helen Miller on November 29th, 1945.
Jim's childhood was spent at the edge of Lake Michigan, and provided Jim and his younger brother, Robert Miller, the opportunity for sailing that would mark the beginning of Jim's lifelong love of water and adventure. Throughout his life, Jim's adventures would take him underwater as a trained scuba diver, on the water as a skilled boatsman and sailor, and into the air as a pilot who often flew the skies of Montana.
Dr. Miller graduated from DePauw University followed by Northwestern University Medical School where he completed his residency in obstetrics and gynecology. Dr. Miller achieved an exceptional medical career practicing first in the Chicago area, then Great Falls, Montana and Seattle, Washington before returning to Illinois in the late 1980's to serve as Director of Endocrine Pharmaceutical Research and Development for Abbott Labs.
A significant achievement, Dr. Miller's work for Abbot aided in producing "Lupron", a man-made hormone used to treat female hormone-related conditions including endometriosis and uterine fibroids as well as prostate cancer in men.
A champion of physician education and betterment of women's healthcare, Dr. Miller's 40-year career encompassed a myriad of dual roles extending himself while maintaining a private practice to serve on boards, offer his time in various chair seats, research and consultation in the field of endocrine-related medicine, and run for the Chicago Medical School as Associate Professor their clinical practice in Reproductive Endocrinology. He impacted the lives of many professionally by sharing his humor, charm, and talents as he cared for his patients.
Dr. Miller's key contribution to his field include: Professor and Chair, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology for the University of Illinois College of Medicine - Rockford; Chair for University of Illinois Group Faculty Practice, Chair of The Women's and Children's Center; Director of Christie Clinic's largest satellite clinic in Champaigne and Danville Illinois; Chair of District VI, Member of the ACOG Board; Chair of the Council of District Chairs; Member of the Executive Committee of the ACOG Board; appointed by the Governor of the State of Illinois as Chair for Illinois Advanced Nurse Practice Committee; and VP, Chief Medical Officer for Southern Illinois Healthcare.
Philanthropically Dr. Miller was passionate about improving the health and care of women in other countries. Through USAID, Dr. Miller participated in the education of women's healthcare providers in
three central Asian countries and Argentina as well as a diplomatic escort for a women's clinic in Uzbekistan.
As a father of four, all through these busy career years Jim held family trips and vacations sacred, and his family best remembers ski trips to Big Sky Montana, a car trip through a heavy snowstorm to Sequoia National Park, bike riding in Black Butte Oregon, and vacationing to the beach or lake for time on the water.
Jim's spirit of adventure knew no bounds and often over a glass of Scotch a wonderful, rich in detail story would be shared. He will be long remembered for his sense of humor, and his love of telling complicated and expansive jokes. Often it was only the twinkle in his eye as he neared the punch line that would alert you, you've been taken for a ride!
Jim had an innate sense of humor and a streak of mischief that his children enjoyed and recalled fond memories of suspending firecrackers two stories high from the family home.
Jim's large heart encompassed his family, a myriad of animals, and he was never without a beloved canine companion. Later in life he shared a love of horses and showing with his wife Lynn, and even learned to show in harness their Morgan, Kriskroft Keynote.
As retirement neared, Jim's love of water prevailed, and he and Lynn settled in Fort Myers steps away from their local favorite - Sanibel Island. When family and grandkids came to visit, sharing a day on the beach collecting the shells on Sanibel, and sunsets at the Mucky Duck made for special memories.
In a coded message exchanged between he and his brother as young men, once cyphered Jim's message read: "Happiness is looking for shells on the beach at Fort Pierce". Perhaps the secret to Jim's love of life, family, medicine, adventure, and God's creatures was to embrace the simple joys and remember to discover the miracle of that one perfect shell.
Jim is survived by his loving wife, Lynn Miller, who was his champion and advocate throughout his long illness, and her son, Eric Nessmith; by his four children: Chris Miller, Laura Lakusta, Keith Miller, and Lisa Jesser and their spouses; grandchildren: Heather, Anna, and Mathew Miller; Nicholas and Lucas Gatsonis and Reagan Lakusta; Gabriel Miller; and Parker and Lily Jesser.
Psalms 77:19 "Your way was through the sea, your path through the great waters; yet your footprints were unseen." We shall all feel Jim's footprints on our lives and remember through him Christ our Lord whom he resides with now.
In lieu of flowers, we ask you to donate to the Alzheimer's Association in Dr. James Miller's name.
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