Jim Ed Miller

Jim Ed Miller left his broken body and ran through Heaven’s pearly gates on March 17, 2026.

He was born on July 14, 1948 to proud parents Grady & Mary Louise Miller. Jim Ed was the oldest of four children and was (by almost all accounts) the perfect child. Legend has it that he never missed an opportunity to have a good time.

Jim Ed grew up on the family farm in Fort Hancock, Texas. The Millers grew a variety of crops but focused primarily on cotton. They also raised registered Hereford cattle to keep the Miller kids busy and out of trouble.

Jim Ed excelled in extracurricular activities and graduated from Fort Hancock High with the class of 1966. He then attended Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Texas. Jim Ed majored in Range Animal Science and minored in Chemistry simply because it was easy. He proudly made the Dean’s list (not the good one) and graduated “laude laude”.

After graduating, Jim Ed offered to fly F-4 Phantom jets in Vietnam but his request was denied, due in large part to his poor track record of landing successfully.

Instead, he returned to the family farm and married the love of his life, Karen Fields (his first wife, as he was fond of saying) on July 14, 1973. Karen bravely joined the Miller family and worked beside Jim Ed for the next 52 years.

Jim Ed truly loved farming and often pointed out that “it’s a tough way to serve the Lord but a great life.” He was happiest when he was checking fields and telling stories at the John Deere parts counter. He was never one to turn down a good meeting, which explains why he served on boards like SuPima, Texas Pest Management Association, HCCRD #1, and Valley Gin Company, among others.
When not farming, Jim Ed also served multiple terms as County Commissioner and was nicknamed “El Segundo” by his peers. He never met a stranger and was a quiet but powerful force in agricultural politics.

Jim Ed is survived by his wife, Karen, children Tracy & Danny Chavez, Quincy & Brittney Miller, and was most proud of his three grandchildren: Danleigh Chavez, Declan Miller, and Darcy Miller.

He is also survived by his brother Craige Miller (Mary Ella), sister Melloy Rogers (Street), sister-in-law Patti Miller, and numerous nieces and nephews. Jim Ed was predeceased by his parents, Grady & Mary Miller, brother Charlie Miller, and infant niece Lindsay Miller.

A memorial visitation will be held on Friday, April 10, 2026 from 4:00-8:00 pm at San Jose Funeral Home:

SAN JOSE FUNERAL EAST • 915-590-8700
10950 Pellicano Dr, El Paso, TX

A graveside service will be in Fort Hancock on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at 10:00 am.

The family would like to extend their gratitude and appreciation for the staff at Bartlett Assisted Living. They were so good to Jim Ed and definitely earned more jewels for their Heavenly crowns.

We are also grateful to all of the loved ones who stopped by to visit Jim Ed, as well as those who called and prayed without ceasing. You are all near and dear to our hearts.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation to your charity of choice.

Jim Ed would also remind you that life is uncertain, so eat dessert first.
He will be missed but his memory will live on. He truly loved being the center of attention and was always “reminded of a story.”

Please come celebrate Jim Ed and share your favorite stories with us.