Christopher Joshua Miller

November 28, 1974 - July 5, 2016 Christopher Joshua Miller died tragically on Tuesday July 5, 2016, after suffering severe head trauma from a fall. Chris was only 42 years old.Christopher was born on Thanksgiving Day in 1974, in Los Angeles, California. As he did throughout his life, he surprised his parents, Dr. Jeff and Lynnea Miller, as they were enjoying a Thanksgiving dinner with friends when he decided to come into the world. Chris grew up in Falls Church, Virginia, where he attended grade school and was accepted into and graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, one of the highest rated high schools in the nation. During this time Christopher enjoyed frequent trips to California where he celebrated some holidays and summers with his father and stepmother, Cindy Miller. Chris and his extended family enjoyed ocean fishing trips, river rafting, house boating, skiing, trips to Sun Valley, Idaho, and Palm Springs, California. Chris enjoyed music and played the bass guitar in a heavy metal band with 3 of his friends, which performed at functions in the Falls Church, Virginia area. After high school Chris went to the University of Virginia where he graduated in 1997 with a degree in Sociology. He returned to California, where his IT skills helped him get jobs with various Hollywood production companies. In 2004, Chris took a position as the Web specialist with a nonprofit organization, the Spondylitis Association of America. He was promoted up through the ranks to the position of Director of Program Services. This organization provides information, support and programs for those suffering from ankylosing spondylitis. Christopher managed their website, wrote their newsletter, and was involved in most of their programs. He was a member of a super team which served 2.7 million individuals during his time there. Chris was proud of working for a nonprofit organization which helped patients find support and resources.Christopher was intelligent, creative, artistic, talented, had a mischievous sense of humor, but also a very kind heart. He was the kind of son who made his parents proud. Chris always loved music. In his spare time, he composed a CD album of songs with his best friend, Shawn Drew. He also wrote works of fiction and a screenplay. Chris met Katie DeLaPorte on July 1st 2010, and they were married September 20th 2013 in Monroe City, Mo. After living another year in Simi Valley, California, they returned to Paris, Missouri to make their home.Chris continued his work at The Spondylitis Association of America as a contractor doing programming, and graphic design. Chris was preceded in death by his mother, Lynnea Miller Kowaleski, his paternal grandparents Edwin M. and Miriam Miller, and his maternal grandparents Florence and Lloyd Johnson. Chris is survived by his wife Katie Delaport Miller, his father, Dr. Jeffery Paul Miller, his Step-Mother Cindy Miller of Glendale, California, his Step-Father T.K.Kowaleski of Falls Church, Virginia, his brother Tommy Kowaleski of Harrisonburg, Virginia, and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. Services will be held at Garners Funeral Home in Monroe City, Missouri. Visitation Thursday July 14th 2016, 5-7pm. Funeral Friday July 15th 2016 at 11am with Olivia Earlywiner officiating. Burial at The St. Jude's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Christopher's name to the Spondylitis Association of America which can be done through their website.