James “Jim” Howard Miller

James “Jim” Howard Miller, 78, of Elgin, MN passed away unexpectedly at his home on Friday, June 13, 2025. Jim was born on December 5, 1946, in Wabasha, MN to Fred and Rosalia (Miller) Miller. Jim lived a full life dedicated to family and faith.
Jim grew up in rural Kellogg, attended St. Felix Catholic School and later graduated from Plainview High School in 1964. Jim earned an electronics degree at Winona Technical School and worked at RTP during that time.
On August 13, 1966, Jim married Susan Brunner, his high-school sweetheart in Minnesota City, MN. Shortly thereafter, they moved to St. Louis, MO where Jim began his lifelong career with IBM. In 1969, they moved back home to Minnesota, putting down roots in Elgin. Jim continued working at IBM in Rochester as a Customer Engineer and a Sr. Laboratory Specialist until he retired in 2006. He was a dedicated, loyal worker. Following retirement, Jim was honored to work part-time for Schleicher Funeral Homes doing work that he genuinely loved for many more years.
Jim enjoyed staying active participating in community team sports throughout most of his life. Most notably, he played softball for many leagues in the area and became well known for his home runs. There wasn’t a field he didn’t hit one out of. Jim was also known for his immaculate lawn, free of dandelions and broadleaf weeds. Only he could mow it leaving the straightest of lines. His love for gardening made sure the flowers were always watered and weeded in the cemetery. Jim’s passion for fall harvest and helping friends get crops out before the snow flew was a testament to his devotion to his upbringing. When he wasn’t involved in one of these pastimes, Jim was a dedicated volunteer at Greenwood Rehabilitation Center where he was honored with “volunteer of the year.” He could also be found helping at school events throughout his years, notably his many years of running the scoreboard for girls basketball games, playing cribbage, or drinking coffee.
Jim was proud of his family and cherished spending time with them. He was blessed with two daughters Jamie and Jodi and was a proud and loving Grandpa to two grandchildren Madalynn and Elle. He never missed a single one of his children’s or grandchildren’s activities. He was incredibly involved in all of their lives and regularly attended their extracurricular events. He was a genuine super fan and devoted father and grandpa.
Jim was a very faithful servant of the Lord and a member of Immanual Lutheran Church in Plainview where he sang in the church choir, attended bible studies, served on several boards including the Board of Finance and as the Church Secretary, and volunteered for countless other activities. He also frequently attended and supported Trinity Lutheran Church in Elgin in more recent years.
Jim is survived by his loving wife of 58+ years, Susan Miller of Elgin; and two daughters, Jamie (Doug) Debner of Lakeville and Jodi (Jamey) Koehler of Winona; two granddaughters, Madalynn and Elle; and four brothers, Leo Miller, Gerald (Marilyn) Miller, Paul (Julie) Miller, Mark (Gayle) Miller, and sisters-in-laws Sandra Miller and Viola Miller.
He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Fred (Marian) Miller, Francis Miller, Mary (John) Wolf, Ruth (Gerald) Klein, Donald (Pat) Miller, Kenneth Miller, and sister-in-law Marcine Miller.
The Funeral service will be held at 11:00AM on Monday, June 23, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Plainview with Pastor Phil Augustine officiating. The burial will follow the service in Greenwood Cemetery in Plainview. Friends and family may visit on Sunday, June 22, from 2:00 – 4:00PM at Schleicher Funeral Homes, Plainview Chapel and one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday.
Memorials are preferred to Immanuel Lutheran Church in Plainview or Trinity Lutheran Church in Elgin.
Arrangements entrusted to Schleicher Funeral Homes, Plainview Chapel, the guest register may be signed at www.schleicherfuneralhomes.com