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It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Jim (James) Darrien Miller, age 83 of Sarnia, Ontario. Darling husband of Margaret Miller (Boyle), and loving father of Mairi Harley (Frank), Morag Churchill (Kevin), Fiona Miller-Keating (Dan) and James Miller (Kristen). Jim was incredibly proud of the many talents and accomplishments of his children, and “Granda” was adored by all of his grandchildren: Siobhan Churchill (Anna Peltola), Sarah Churchill (Matt Hampel), Margaret Churchill; Declan Harley, Catriona Harley; Liam Keating (Vamika Jain), Sloane Keating, Aidan Keating; Madeleine Miller and Isla Miller.
Jim was born in Bo’ness, Scotland in 1941 to parents Peter and Helen Miller. He is predeceased by brother David Miller, sisters-in-law Rose Pitt, Nan Boyle, Jean Boyle, and brothers-in-law Martin Riley, and Hugh Boyle. Survived by his brother Peter Miller, sisters-in-law Una Miller, Johan Miller, Catherine Riley, brothers-in-law John Boyle and Robert Pitt.
Jim graduated from the Royal College of Science & Technology (now University of Strathclyde). He was a Chartered Engineer, & a Fellow of the Institution of Chemical Engineers UK.
Jim and Margaret emigrated to Canada in 1966, with their 2-year-old daughter Mairi, after accepting a position with Dow Chemical. Jim worked in several roles throughout his 32 years at Dow, but he was ultimately most proud of his work as Manager of Engineering, a position from which he retired in 1998.
Jim’s life was forever changed when he met Margaret, the love of his life, in high school. They were married in 1964 in Fauldhouse, Scotland. The most important thing to Jim and Margaret was their beloved family, and together, they were an incredible team. They established a family home in Sarnia and were later joined by extended family members from Scotland, many of whom emigrated and began their own families here. “Uncle Jim” will be fondly remembered and sadly missed by his many surviving nieces and nephews, in Canada and Scotland. Jim was considered a true gentleman by all who knew him.
Jim and Margaret loved to host family parties at their home; he enjoyed singing, dancing, and playing the accordion. Jim passed his love of music on to his children and grandchildren. He also loved working in his garden, sailing, and spending winters in Bonita Springs Florida with Margaret and their community of friends.
A lover of nature, Jim enjoyed going for walks on the Howard Watson Trail with his grandchildren and the family dogs. A man of science, he loved to explore and share his fascination for the natural world with all his grandchildren.
Jim’s struggle with Parkinson’s disease and CLL affected the last 12 years of his life, but he fought back with remarkable resilience, dignity, and fierce determination. Jim kept his keen sense of humor even in his difficult final years, often telling a well-timed joke with a glint in his eye. Throughout their marriage and his illness, Margaret was Jim’s rock, remaining steadfastly by his side with great love and compassion.
The family is very grateful to his medical team, including Dr. Helen Rockwell (Sarnia), Dr. Xenocostas and Dr. Scilley, of London Regional Cancer Centre, and many PSWs including Helder who gave Jim excellent care, enabling him to remain at home with his family as his condition declined during the last year.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday Feb. 10, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Thomas D’Aquin Church, 895 Champlain Rd. in Sarnia. Following the ceremony, family and friends are invited to a lunch at The Dante Club, 1330 London Rd. in Sarnia. Cremation has taken place, a private interment will take place at a later date, arrangements by Smith Funeral Home.
Donations for those who wish, can be made to the Inn of the Good Shepherd, London Regional Cancer Centre, or the Parkinson’s Society of Southwestern Ontario.
