Philip Jackson Miles

SALEM - Philip Jackson Miles, 57, beloved husband, father, and friend passed away early Friday morning after courageously battling cancer.  His wife of 34 years, Jo Ann; daughter, Jackie; and son, Andy were at his side.  He was born and grew up in Great Falls, Montana, the child of Theron and Ruth Miles and attended local schools, graduating in 1968 from Great Falls High School.  Phil's father died when he was very young and subsequently Phil was guided as he grew up by his grandfather, Robert P. Jackson, a country lawyer.  Phil loved the "big sky" country of his home state and spent many happy hours crossing the prairie on his motorcycle.Responsible and caring from a young age, Phil looked after his ill mother for many years.  In 1970, they had to move away for her health and arrived in Eugene, Oregon.  There Phil continued his education, receiving a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Oregon in 1972, where he also met and married Jo Ann.  Phil's interest in history led him to work at the State Archives for ten years and eventually to hold the position of Records Analyst.  In 1989 he became Marion County Licensing and Records Supervisor and was appointed Chief Deputy County Clerk two years ago.  He actively participated in the Oregon Association of County Clerks.  Between archives and clerk jobs, he triumphed over tongue and throat cancer.Phil had a contagious, irreverent sense of humor and never missed a chance to share jokes and laughter with others; on the other hand, he was serious in tackling life's problems head on and was known for "telling it like it is."  He was honest and straightforward yet also gentle and kind.  Phil enjoyed a full life filled with family, friends, and beloved pets, and possessed many talents and a variety of interests.  He was unwavering in his quest of knowledge and read hundreds of history books and kept abreast of current events.  He loved listening to music and watching movies, working in the yard and around the house, exploring genealogy and studying geology, but most of all, he loved being a Dad.  He imparted his passion for music and talent in playing the trumpet, to his son and his joy and ability in taking beautiful photographs, to his daughter.  Most of all, his children remember how he was never too tired to spend time with them and that he was always there for them.  It gave him great satisfaction to be able to help them get their college educations, and he was so very proud of them.  It gave him great pleasure to watch their lives unfold.Aside from his wife, Jo Ann of Salem; daughter, Jackie of Portland; and son, Andy of Port Orchard, Washington; Phil is also survived by a half-brother, Benjamin Miles of Fountain, Colorado.  He was preceded in death by his parents and grandfather.  A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, January 13, 2007 at Howell-Edwards-Doerksen with Rigdon-Ransom Funeral Directors, 1350 Commercial St. SE.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Willamette Valley Humane Society.Dad, we know that you tried your best to stay with usbut we are grateful for the time we had with you.We miss you and love you always.