James Miller

Jim Miller of Ithaca NY, formerly of Clifton Park, NY passed away on Monday, December 15, 2014 at the age of 89. 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 and John (Kim) Miller of Albany, NY and by six nieces and nephews, eleven grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren. Jim was born to James S. and Regina Bosher Miller of West Albany. After graduation from Vincentian Institute he enlisted in the Navy and trained as a pilot. He was re-assigned as navigator immediately after demonstrating his ability to do a snap roll, which was not part of the usual training. After the war Jim attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 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. Later in life he realized that sailing was easier than paddling and he chartered sailboats with his sons all over the East Coast and the Caribbean. In 2006 Jim moved to Ithaca to be closer to family. He enjoyed walking daily to Hal's Deli for good meals and camaraderie, and walking his dog Aldo through the dog park. 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. A wake will be held Thursday, December 18 at Bangs Funeral Home in Ithaca NY from 4:00 to 6:00, and again at Reilly Funeral Home on Central Ave. in Colonie on Friday, December 19 from 5:00 to 7:00. The funeral will be held at Christ the King in Albany on Saturday, December 20 followed by interment at St. Agnes Cemetery in Menands. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the Pyramid Life Center, Paradox, NY or the charity your choice.