Dr. John P Miles
1929 - 2017
Dr. John P Miles
1929 - 2017
Obituary
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John Miles Obituary
John Pershing Miles I, a United Methodist pastor, died November 2, 2017 surrounded by family. John was born to Esther (Martin) and J.B. Miles on November 11, 1929 in Crowley, Louisiana. With his brother, Warren, he was raised in Crowley, Baton Rouge, Beaumont, Los Angeles, and Hot Springs. As a young man at Hot Springs Methodist, John accepted a call to ordained ministry and, seventy years ago this fall, was licensed to preach. While at Hot Springs High he won the Arkansas Golden Gloves Featherweight Boxing championship. At Hendrix College, he was an All AIC nose guard at 135 pounds. While taking his last college courses (repeating in the summer a few classes he had failed in the winter), John went to an event at Conway First Methodist and met JoAnn Ridgway, a student at State Teacher’s College; they married in June 1952 at First Methodist in Forrest City. After honeymooning at the Methodist annual conference in Hot Springs, they moved to Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University, where they welcomed the first of their three children.
John was a faithful, buoyant, and effective pastor in the churches to which he was appointed – the Hamilton Circuit, Wilmot, Eudora, Star City, Fairview, Oaklawn, Arkadelphia First, St. James in Little Rock, and, finally, Hot Springs First, as an emeritus pastor. He received honorary doctorates from Shorter College and Hendrix College and served on many boards including those at Hendrix and Perkins. A gifted and outlandish raconteur, John won national and state awards for preaching, evangelism, and church growth. He was a yellow dog democrat and a passionate advocate for people and issues on the margins. A loving pastor to senators and presidents, the felons and the faithful, and everything in between, he was known to be encouraging to sinners and exasperating to saints. To all, he preached a message of graceful and loving acceptance, faithfulness to God and one’s covenants, and dogged self-discipline.
Preceded in death by his wife JoAnn and his brother Warren, John is survived by his children Deborah Miles and Marc Rudow, John and Susan Miles, and Rebekah Miles and Len Delony; his beloved grandchildren David, Caleb, Joshua, and Galit Rudow; Trey and Kelsea Miles; Zoe and Brandon Loeser, and Anna and Katherine Delony; his lady friend Corrine Gooch; his brothers and sisters, Peggy and James Lann, Joy Miles, and Melvin and Kay Ridgway; his nieces and nephews Heather, Martin, and Michael Miles, Jeffrey and Michael Pratt, Bonnie James, Mel Brooks, Suzanne Childs, Cindy Reister, Debbie McDade, Andy Lann, and Audrey Duckworth; and a wider community of extended family and friends.
We will celebrate John’s life at 11:00 on Saturday, November 11th at Hot Springs First United Methodist. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to a charity of your choice or to Hot Springs First United Methodist Church (1100 Central Avenue, Hot Springs, AR 71901).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
November 21, 2017
Has been such a COMFORT to me, to know that George is visiting Bro. John in Heaven!! Being 2 "only children", we didn't have many relatives, & considered Bro. John & Joan as part of our FAMILY!! Know they are having a good time visiting, in Heaven!!!
Irene Palnick
November 20, 2017
Condolences to the family. John was a true Christian and an advocate for all peoples and issues he believed in . When.. he was pastor at St. James in Little Rock, he and my late husband Rabbi Elijah Zeke Palnick of Temple Bnai Israel taught a very popular Bibe Class together. They truly loved and respected each other. May the family go from strength to strength.
Vickie Meeks
November 16, 2017
Bro. John was our pastor at Oaklawn Methodist Church when I was growing up. I loved his preaching and wonderful sense of humor. He made such an impact in my life. He will truly be missed by all. I hope he and my Dad are enjoying each other.
Sharron Simpson
November 11, 2017
My dad, Arnold Simpson, was a Methodist pastor, and he followed Bro. John to 3 appointments and that's how I first came to know about Bro. John. Then I went to a Saturday night service at St. James and I was hooked with that one powerful service. It didn't take long before I DID actively strive to be a better person through the gentle teachings of Bro. John. He always made sense, always preached love and compassion, and many evenings we left with tears from his words. Bro. John and JoAnn were both wonderful people who impacted many, many lives in a very positive way, and he no doubt SAVED many lives.
I love you all - John, Bekah and Deb - you now have 2 guardian angels, and you are all making them quite happy. May you be fulfilled knowing you learned from the best, and that you will all pass on the same wonderful blessings and wisdom that your dad and mom both did. You are all loved by many people.....and John, I so hope you end up back in Little Rock one of these days. I could sure use a little more Bro. John!!!
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November 11, 2017
Bro John was much loved in Star City. He came to Conway to marry us after we moved..our sympathy to his family during this difficult time,,
Henry and Betty Shannon Hargis
c
November 11, 2017
Dear Family,
Words can not express how we felt about Brother John. He has been so much a part of our lives through the years and just thinking of him brings a smile. He taught us how we should live and how to love each other. We looked forward to hearing his sermons because it was as though he was speaking to each of us personally. And, he was a hoot at times! I can remember the congregation not knowing if they should laugh in church with some of the things he would say! He was one of a kind and will be greatly missed by the many lives he touched. Surely Heaven is celebrating at this time with the reuniting of his beloved JoAnn and all his family members. Please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
With love,
Carolyn and Jim Manning
November 10, 2017
Makes me feel some better, knowing John was there to greet my sweetheart George!!!
November 10, 2017
I can see Bro John & George, now, catching up on "memories"!!
Virginia Finley
Carla Mcknight Buchanan
November 10, 2017
Wow, Brother John has been a leader for our family for many years . He married us in 1979 and gave us so many words of wisdom . My love goes out to you at this special time.
Nancy Baker
November 10, 2017
Miles Family, John Miles has been a part of my life off and on for over 50 years. As a teenager at Fairview then at St James and most recently as he helped us celebrate the life of my Dad, Jack Watson. It seems he always showed up just when he was most needed and, of course, when my Mom had just put lunch on the table, she loved to feed him because he loved to eat, I hope she had a bowl of mulligan waiting for him. My thoughts and prayers are with each of you as celebrate a life that has touched so many.
Peggy P Roach
November 9, 2017
Deb, John, Rebekah and all the family....First I knew and loved your Uncle Warren @ Hendrix & beyond. Then I got to know John & JoAnn. I've loved them too many years to count. The world is a better place because your Mom, Dad & Uncle Warren lived in it. John, I'm sorry I had already left Jonesboro when you came to First Church there. I keep up with the Miles family now through my sister, Nancy Melton. My love and condolences to you each one. Keep up the Miles laughter. xo Peggy Parks Roach} Hendrix Class of '60
November 9, 2017
I was so blessed to know Brother John during his tenure at St. James UMC. He continually amazed me with his wit, his common sense, and his ability to connect with the people to whom he ministered. He was one-of-a-kind and I will miss him dearly. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and with all of us whose lives he touched so deeply. Kathy Strock
Gwen Saylor
November 9, 2017
Sorry for your loss. We all loved Brother John.
Love and prayers
Linda, David, Gwen, and Scot Needham
Greg Lee
November 8, 2017
Sorry to hear about your dad's passing. I've heard some pretty wonderful stories! You are both in my thoughts and prayers for peace in your heart.
November 8, 2017
A wonderful friend to my husband's family and a leader in our state. Mrs. Charles D. (Jane) Dunn
Marci Fairbanks
November 8, 2017
I will never forget his smile and laughter and of course his "wonderful, wonderful, wonderful" phrase. He was a powerful force to be reckoned with. No one I know could say no to him. I will always love him.
Mary Grace Smith
November 7, 2017
What a powerful human being! I was honored to be at the roast of Brother John in Hot Springs a couple years ago. What a display of feelings and so important at that time instead of at his funeral. He was my pastor at St. James in Little Rock but I actually met him when Rebekah and Len were co-pastors at Hickory Plains, Arkansas. My parents sorta adopted them while they were there and we all loved them. Such a loving family and my thoughts and prayers go out to all.
Mary Catherine McSpadden
November 7, 2017
He was a great preacher and pastor -- but none of the obituary words have captured his weird and wonderful sense of humor! He truly believed that laughter is a gift of God!
November 7, 2017
Pastor John officiated our wedding August 7, 2015 in Hot Springs at the recommendation of Dr. Bruce and Winnie Meeks. We instantly fell in love with his wit, charm, and passion for the Lord's work. We were blessed by his brief inclusion into our lives. Marc Hardin, DVM (Overland Park, Ks.)
November 7, 2017
Bro. John's children were close to our children's age, so we saw them a lot! Was an OUTSTANDING MAN AND MINISTER!! So glad I was able to know him & Joan!! He will be sorely MISSED!!! Virginia Finley & Family
Jim Ledbetter
November 6, 2017
Brother John moved into our neighborhood and it was never the same. Your family permanently impacted all of the families in that area. Driving the little red VW (praying all the time) it just looked like he was talking to himself, but he was praying, I asked him about talking to himself and corrected me.
He was one of the best. God bless and our prayers are with the family.
November 6, 2017
As I read the entries, it's HARD to BELIEVE, that I have lost my sweetheart George, since I wrote this!! I hope he & John are having a GOOD VISIT
Can't BELIEVE I have lost my sweetheart since I wrote about visiting Bro. John! Hope they are enjoying visiting together!!
Miss him tremendously!!
Roger Moreland
November 6, 2017
Biggest preacher of my life. Grew of age under him at Oaklawn; visited him at St. James as young/married; was blest to have him in latter years as interim pastor at Faith. He was a Wesleyan firebrand who never preached a lukewarm sermon; never preached down to people. I always looked at him as lowering the Grace-bar to an attainable level for the rest of us and felt there was a direct current from his pulpit to God. Did not hesitate to call out wrong-thinking in a congregationeven if it was majority-consensus; he could fuss when needed. But when you shook his handscause he'd grab you with both hisand looked into his kind, lively eyes, you felt Electricity, the Love of God and the Peace of Christ. Hot Springs has lost a Hero and Saint. Prayers to the Miles Family, Roger Moreland
Lesley Cooper
November 6, 2017
Brother John was the reason we came to St. James and stayed! He baptized our oldest child and we will always remember him with deep affection and happiness.
Byron Brooks
November 6, 2017
My Mom, Mary Peckham worked alongside Brother John for over 20 years and we as a family attended services with him at the helm while I was growing up in Little Rock. Pleasant Valley United Methodist Church, Brother John and my Mom provided great leadership for the youth and aged in our tight community. God Bless Brother John and his family. His work is done and now he moves to heaven with those he helped reach the same destiny, to be with God in Heaven.... Byron Brooks
Esther Fowler
November 6, 2017
I only had the pleasure of being around John a few times but those times were very special to me. His service for Grandma Sugar will always be with me. He exuded love and true compassion for people. I am so sorry for your loss. It is everyone's loss. I like to think he and Sugar are catching up in Heaven.
Sandy Carrington
November 6, 2017
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We have such wonderful memories of our time with you. With love, Betty Forshberg, Sandy Carrington, and Michelle Meeks.
Suzie Burch
November 6, 2017
We will miss Brother John's happy presence at Garvan Woodland Gardens. His "Blessing of the Blooms" was my favorite.
Jina Lewallen
November 6, 2017
You all are in our hearts and prayers. Love from the Phillips girls and Don.
Rose Mary Miller-Fason
November 6, 2017
So sorry for you loss. Brother John was special to so many in Arkadelphia no matter in which church you were a member. Many fond memories. Prayers for the Miles Family
Rosanne Todd
November 5, 2017
I can remember my mother talking about him and how his services were straight forward and to the point. May God be with you all.
Lona Morrow Jeffrey
November 5, 2017
I always enjoyed our brief encounters and look forward to having more time in The glory land.
Sharon Orr Moskwiak
November 5, 2017
Brother John and his family lived across the street from us on Hall Drive in Little Rock while he was the minister at St. James. He was such a wonderful man and good friend to our family. When I was very pregnant and living at home while my husband was moving us from Michigan to Illinois, we were outside chatting with John. He said he had a prayer for delivery. I said "you do? Please share." He said "you run up and down the hill and I'll stand up here and pray you deliver!" He was so funny and such a joy to be around. My deepest sympathies to the family. May God grant you peace and comfort and know that you will all be together again. Much Love to all.
Sherlyn H.
November 5, 2017
So sorry to hear of Brother John's passing. I attended Fairview Methodist when he was there. Always had an interesting sermon and a friendly smile.
Jenni Duncan
November 5, 2017
Brother John expressed love without judgment. He was so encouraging to me as my first senior pastor at St. James, Little Rock, and always looked delighted to see us and ask about our family after his retirement. It's hard to believe we won't see that smile this side of heaven. I celebrate his ministry and his love of his family but will certainly miss him. Praying for the family!
Janet Minner
November 5, 2017
My deepest condolences. May his memory be a blessing
Liz Levinson
November 5, 2017
Prayers for the Miles family. Mark and Liz Levinson
Jo Ann Norman
November 5, 2017
My deepest condolences for the family of this great Christian man!!!
Kathy Smith
November 5, 2017
I did t know this man but his son is my pastor now. I know how it feels to lose your Daddy and I'm so sorry for your sorrow. Prayers for you Brother John.
Julia turner
November 5, 2017
John will be greatly missed, I've know him for most of my life, he always had some story to tell me about either my father or my brother and he and my husband were also good friends. He was an inspiration to many. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. Rev. Julia Beth and Henry Turner
Tom & Carolyn Teeter
November 5, 2017
We have treasured John and JoAnn Miles from the time John was appointed in Star City, through all of the St James years and well into their retirement. Sadly, we have now lost them both, but today our thoughts are of John.
For anyone who has listened to a sermon and was later unable to recall what it was about, of this we are certain: you were NOT listening to Brother John Miles. His greatest gift (and there were many), indeed his art, was the ability to shape words and thoughts that clarify the mind, touch the heart, and warm the spirit. We sometimes felt Brother John had mysteriously learned of our troubles and written his sermons to give us assurance. Later we learned others felt the same way. Long years after he retired from St. James we rely on his guidance. Methodism will miss his keen intellect, theological understanding, wonderful humor, and unparalleled passion for justice. John Miles loved his fellow man. May his tribe increase!
Vicki & Al Bridges
November 5, 2017
Dear John, Susan, and Family: We were saddened to learn of your precious father's passing, though rejoice with you all that he is now in the presence of his Reward - the Lord Jesus Christ! After reading the obituary this morning of such a remarkable human being, (& even though we had met John I. only a handful of times) the Lord brought the following words to mind. Surely they describe John Pershing Miles! "BE STRONG, BUT NOT RUDE. BE KIND, BUT NOT WEAK. BE HUMBLE, BUT NOT TIMID. BE PROUD, BUT NOT ARROGANT." We send our loving prayers, Vicki & Al Bridges
Jim&Cynthia Johnson
November 5, 2017
Our deepest condolences for the family.
John Russ
November 5, 2017
I was one of thousands of people who didn't know Brother John personally, but felt like I did. What a life! What a ministry! I think John Wesley would be very proud of him.
John Russ
Little Rock, AR.
Brenda Clipper
November 5, 2017
Praying for the Miles Family
stan lafever
November 5, 2017
R I P God be with you and your family
Carol Martin
November 5, 2017
One of the very best pastors. He always was so aware of what was going on with his members and reached out to help. Truly made a difference in my life while at St. James. Will never forget his kindness and love.
Sherry Riggs
November 5, 2017
When we moved to Hot Springs in 1967, John Miles was waiting for us when the moving truck arrived. We attended Oaklawn UMC where he was the pastor and got to know his family. He was a good friend to both my husband and to me. He loved to ride with George in his State Police car when he was on nights. My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time. You all were so loved by him.
Steve Cook
November 5, 2017
A strong and compassionate, tender-hearted leader in the LR Annual Conference. Loved, respected and the voice of wisdom to many.
Kathern Rebecca Henderson-Norwood
November 5, 2017
Through your selfless service to our Almighty Lord the lives you touched are endless Revered will be deeply missed by so very meany With Deepest Respect Love All Ways Always And Forever Words going up in his name Amen Mrs Adelbert Kathern Rebecca Henderson Norwood Jr
Linda Blackwood Ford
November 5, 2017
The first time I remember hearing Bro. John speak was at a funeral. John was a comforting, reassuring child of the Lord as he helped us say see-you-later to four family members/friends we lost at the same time. He laced humorous memories with the serious and had the entire congregation laughing at one point. Later a close family member said he had never laughed at a funeral but it was so appropriate. That was John, he was reminding us of precious memories and telling us how much the Lord loved us at this painful time. He was a blessing being himself. DeColores, John, fly high.
Cornelia DeLee
November 5, 2017
John was a mentor and a friend. He was one of the best of us.
Joy and peace to all who loved him,
November 4, 2017
John was a dear friend to our family. My first husband James O. Linam was a UMC pastor and died 38 years ago today. I remember so well walking out the parsonage door the day of his funeral. John was the first person I saw, he took my arm and walked across the street to the church with our family. He will always be remembered.
Kim Clemons
November 4, 2017
I became United Methodist because of Brother John. His spirituality resonated with me at a time in my life when I desperately needed it. RIP, Brother John and thank you!
debby bodenhamer
November 4, 2017
I enjoyed visiting with him. Prayers of comfort to his family.
Debby Bodenhamer
November 4, 2017
May God's loving kindness comfort you and help you through this very sad time
Psalms 29:11
Martha & Kelly Hargis
November 4, 2017
A wonderful, loving, kind man and the best pastor we have ever had. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
November 4, 2017
Will NEVER FORGET when the Miles family came to minister to our Methodist Church in Camden! I like to think that my sweetheart George, was there to welcome him to Heaven!!!
Cathey Rule
November 4, 2017
Brother John was such a dear man and so close to the hearts of many in my family. From baptizing my youngest child to marrying both my children, he has and will always remain a part of our family.
He would always remind me that I was one of the very first who joined him when he came to St. James in Little Rock.
My heart and prayers are with all of his family, especially to you three children and Brother John's grandchildren!
November 4, 2017
George & I visited John, in his Assisted Living Home, not long ago!! So glad he is joined again, with his loving wife!!! We were his FIRST church, in Camden, Ark, & became close friends with his family, as his children & ours were about the same age!! Loved to hear him preach, & you NEVER knew what he was going to do!! I know he is enjoying all the MANY FRIENDS he made during his ministry - AND BEFORE!!!
Lu Harding
November 4, 2017
Bro. John was my friend and mentor. Through him I learned to love unlovable people and got permission and encouragement to fly.
Cindi Smith
November 4, 2017
Much love to my family.
Mack Phillips
November 3, 2017
Bro. John, my friend, my pastor and God's servant. Enjoy the room that Jesus provided just for you.
Charles and Carol Tennyson
November 3, 2017
The Family of "Brother John" are in our prayers. He was a classmate of my Father's at Hendrix and held me as a baby over 60 years ago. We Loved this Man!! He recruited me from the congregation to transfer my membership to St James before church one morning in 1982. He married Carol and I 32 years ago and Baptized my son, Josh. God Bless Everyone he touched with his very unique Spirit, ministering the Word of Jesus Christ.
Luanne Loudon
November 3, 2017
Prayers and love to the Miles family. John had a sweet smile that will be missed.
November 3, 2017
Thinking of all the MIles
Family today. Sending our love and prayers. MIke and Charlotte Morey
Staff of Gross Funeral Home
November 3, 2017
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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120 WRIGHTS ST, Hot Springs, AR 71913
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