John Arthur Miller

MILLER John Arthur Miller, 80, died peacefully on Sunday, December 11, 2005, after a long struggle with cancer. He was born March 2, 1925, in Columbus, Ohio, to Ellen Lightle Miller and Sam H. Miller. He attended West Broad Street Elementary School until he was 11 and then he attended Greenbrier Military School in West Virginia. John described his move to Greenbrier as one of the most important events in his life, giving him confidence and independence. John left Greenbrier before graduating to serve his country during WWII. He followed his passion for flying, soloing in 1944 and serving in the Army Air Corps flying the B-24 and B-29 aircraft. He graduated from Ohio State in 1951. John married Edith M. Moxley in 1948, an OSU graduate student. John worked with his father at Merrick-Miller Dodge through those years. He purchased and operated Weaver Trailer and Body Company through the mid 60's. His first real estate venture was to develop Timberlake, south of Grove City; next was Frank Road Industrial Park in south Columbus. He was a member and President of the Ambassador Club in Columbus in the 50's and 60's. John went on to become a respected real estate broker in Columbus, in addition to owning and managing office and commercial buildings. In the mid 60's John began his life-long commitment to mentoring and helping children. He volunteered extensively in Boy Scouts of America and Big Brothers Big Sisters Association of Columbus, serving as President and Board Member. He became a Rotarian in 1979, and served as President of the Upper Arlington Rotary Club. With support from his fellow Rotarians, John led the project to renovate the Glenwood Building on West Broad Street for use by the Homeless Families Foundation as a dental and medical clinic and activity center. The building was subsequently named the John A. Miller Center. In 1994, John founded TriVillage Mentor League as an affiliate of Big Brothers Big Sisters, and served as President. He was named Rotarian of the Year in '95-'96 and was named Upper Arlington Super Senior in 2004. John never stopped helping - from his care center bed this past year he arranged scholarships for nursing assistants to continue their education. John was a charter member of Muirfield Village Golf Club and served as Vice-Chairman of the Memorial Tournament. He qualified to represent Ohio in the USGA Senior Amateur Open in the mid 80's. John was an avid fisherman, bird watcher and wood craftsman. Survivors include his beloved wife of 57 years, Edith Moxley Miller; a son, Tom Miller of Columbus; a daughter and son-in-law, Janet and Larry McCulloch of Fort Collins, Colorado; five grandchildren, including Andy Miller and Mrs. Jennifer Albright (Rob) of Columbus, and one great-grandchild, Lauren Albright. A memorial service will be held at 3:30 p.m. Monday at First Community Church, UCC, 1320 Cambridge Blvd. followed by a reception at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to the TriVillage Mentor League or the Homeless Families Foundation.