James A. "Jim" Miley passed away peacefully after a short illness in the company of his wife, Diane Miley, and friends on June 16, 2019.
Jim was born in Marion, OH on June 3, 1950 to his parents: Ralph and Marguerite Miley.
Jim graduated from The Ohio State University with a BA in History in 1972. Jim obtained a Master of Library Science from University of Michigan in 1976.
Jim is survived by his wife of 47 years: Diane (Little) Miley; sister-in-law and brother-in-law: Marianne and Gary Brammell of Marion, OH; sister-in-law: Sylvia Sherry of Crumpton, MD; nephews: Jonathan (Jillian) Brammell of Doylestown, PA, Thomas Brammell of Marion, OH, Travis (Kelly) Little and Sam Little, all of Baltimore, MD; great nephews: Henry and Kruze Brammell of Doylestown, PA; and great niece: Ava Brammell of Marion, OH. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother: Don Miley; and brother-in-law: Tom Little.
Jim worked as the Director for Kendallville Public Library in Kendallville, IN from 1979-1983. He then moved to Troy, OH to become the Director of the Troy-Miami County Public Library. He retired from the Troy Library Director's position in 2009.
Jim had an exceptional thirst for knowledge as evidenced in his lifelong love of books and the library sciences. After his retirement, he and his wife, Diane, took advantage of many of the local arts and adult alternative learning programs in the Miami Valley to expand their understanding of everything from music, movies and the stars.
One of Jim's greatest passions was bicycling. In his life, he had traveled tens of thousands of miles on a bicycle across much of the United States and Canada. Locally, Jim actively advocated cycling through the support of the Miami Valley Bike Trail System. His retirement plan included becoming an accomplished spinning indoor cycling instructor for the Robinson YMCA with occasional guest appearances at the Piqua YMCA branch. He took special pride in entertaining and motivating his students with carefully selected music accompanied by his stories from the road.
Funeral arrangements are pending at Baird Funeral Home in Troy, OH. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Kendallville Public Library, 221 S. Park Ave., Kendallville, IN 46755; Adventure Cycling Association, 150 E. Pine Street, Missoula, MT 59802; Marion Education Foundation, c/o Marion Community Foundation, 504 S. State Street, Marion, OH 43302 or First United Church of Christ Backpack Program, 120 S. Market Street, Troy, OH 45373.
Condolences may be expressed to the family through www.bairdfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Diane,
I am shocked and saddened to learn of Jim's death. You and Jim have brightened many days for me at UD's senior learning classes. I know Jim is well loved and will be terribly missed. Sharon and I will keep you and your families in our positive thoughts and prayers.
Dennis Williams
June 25, 2019
So saddened to hear of Jim's death. I met Jim during my first tour of Ohio public libraries -- way back in the days of Port Clinton. Jim was always kind, gracious, a great listener, and a fun conversationalist. My condolences to his family.
Patrick Losinski
June 24, 2019
I have always admired Jim's zest for life. His sense of humor makes me smile every time I think of him. I loved listening to Jim's bicycling stories that he shared at library meetings. Everyone who met Jim can truly say that he made their life a little better, he was just that type of person.
Sandi Thompson
June 20, 2019
I just learned of Jim's passing. He was a great librarian and a strong supporter of public libraries and our states professional library association, OLC. His good humor and congenial personality will be much missed. Wayne Piper, Granville, Ohio
June 19, 2019
We are beyond saddened to learn that Jim passed away. We always enjoyed running into to him and Diane at various restaurants and cultural events all over the Miami Valley. Then of course, we also shared his passion for cycling. Diane, you are in our thoughts and prayers. You and Jim were just the kind of couple we strive to be. Enjoying life and all it has to offer. As we like to say, every day is a good day. Much love, peace and prayers, Elizabeth and Mike Gutmann
June 19, 2019
I knew Jim as the director of the Troy Library throughout my career as an educator. Then we connected at the Troy YMCA where I took his 8 am spinning class. I loved it. Jim was passionate about spinning and outdoor biking. He told us wonderful stories of his many long distance and often grueling cross country adventures. He loved his biking buddies and the beautiful countryside. He adored his wife, Diane, who spun with us and joined Jim and others from our class for yoga afterwards. Jim loved great rock stars and musicians and he spent many hours creating playlists for our classes based on themes and then he would tell us about the musicians. I will miss him greatly and am filled with sadness for Diane. Jim lived life to the fullest doing what he loved with those he cared greatly for.
Jill Wilson
June 19, 2019
I have many great memories of bicycling with Jim. Riding the length of Bourbon Street at five o'clock in the morning on the first day of our trip to Mammoth Cave. Eason's Catfish House in Mendenhall, Mississippi. Riding to the top of Mount Mitchell on our way home from Atlanta.
Bugging out of work or library meetings to go riding. The quad century route on the Dalmac ride. And always lots of laughter. I'll miss you, Jim. I hope there's great bike trails and plenty of beer in heaven.
Jerry Buck
June 19, 2019
Jim will be greatly missed. I always enjoyed seeing him at the Troy library. We bicycled with him occasionally, and I totally loved his dry sense of humor. Sending prayers for comfort your way, Diane
Valerie Paoloemilio
June 18, 2019
Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more