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James Miller Obituary
September 2, 2022
James (Jim) Miller of Seattle passed away in his home on Friday, September 2, 2022 after succumbing to cancer. He was 77 years of age.
Born in Seattle in 1945, Jim attended Blessed Sacrament Grade School and Blanchet High School. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Seattle University and a Master of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Washington. He worked for the City of Seattle, Federal Way Water District and City of Everett as the Engineering Superintendent of Public Works. He was a member of multiple professional associations and received many awards and recognitions for his service and accomplishments, including a lifetime achievement award from the Washington State Department of Health. Those with whom he worked remembered Jim for his character and integrity.
A naturally gifted athlete, Jim was a four-sport letterman at Blanchet High School, and a key member of the 1963 state champion basketball team. He went on to play basketball at Seattle University. Throughout his life, he spent time in athletic activities as a participant, coach and referee. Over the past 14 years, he competed at the Huntsman World Senior Games where he won multiple medals in softball and basketball. Even up until his final months, he could be found on the sidelines of his grandchildren's sporting events.
In 1968, Jim married his high school sweetheart Gretchen Vogel, a 1962 graduate of Blanchet. Jim was a loving husband who cherished his wife. Together, they would raise six wonderful children. He considered their 54-year marriage the greatest of his many accomplishments.
A lifelong faithful Catholic, Jim was a joyful parishioner at Blessed Sacrament in Seattle, Our Lady of the Lake, and St. Mark's in Shoreline. He was an unmistakable presence, whether reading as a lector, singing in the pews, or arriving at Mass wearing his famous Easter necktie. He would generously volunteer his time to charitable organizations such as St. Vincent de Paul and 40 Days for Life. Jim was always eager to share the love of Christ with everyone he encountered and considered the Catholic Faith a priceless treasure with which he was entrusted to pass down to his children and grandchildren.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents John and Elizabeth (Gibson), and brothers Michael and Joseph. He is survived by his wife Gretchen (Vogel), children Lance, Angela, Dominic (Janel), Peter (Regina), Theresa & Matthew (Kathryn), his 21 grandchildren, and his brothers John (Juiwanna) and Richard.
A Funeral Mass for Jim will be held at 11:00am on Monday, September 12 at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Seattle. An online guest book & memorial is accessible at harveyfuneral.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Miller
Bob Hutchens
September 1, 2025
Jim will always be a memory of great people I have met through senior basketball. Kindness was his clear attribute.
Bob Hutchens
September 5, 2023
Good friendship, good conversation and a living example will always be a part of our memories of Jim. Memories we will carry the rest of our lives.
Bob and Anita Hutchens
GINGER STORTS
September 13, 2022
I am so very sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you, Gretchen, and to all your children who I had the privilege to teach. Losing a parent or spouse is such a life changing event. May the grace of God and the prayers lifted for Jim and for all of you lighten your load as you go on this journey. May your remembrances of happier times keep his memory alive. I wish I had been able to attend his funeral today in support you all. We will continue to pray for you just as we have throughout Jim's illness.
Al Nelson
September 12, 2022
Jim, will certainly be missed. I have had the privilege of knowing and working with Jim over the years. I have always appreciated his friendship and professionalism. He was a person of high integrity and an effective leader in our industry. I wish him and his family everlasting peace.
Marcia Basel LeVasseur
September 11, 2022
My most sincere condolences and prayers to you Gretchen and your family. I was so sad to hear of Jim’s passing! He was one of the kindest people I’ve ever met and so much fun to reminisce with at our BHS reunions - many laughs!
I wish I could have made it to his Memorial but I want you to know you are in my thoughts and prayers. Jim will be sorely missed but he will always be at your side and watching over you and the family!
❤
Pat McClain
September 10, 2022
Jim will be missed, remembered and cherished. His good
works and integrity benefited millions throughout the region and state.
A true gentleman, I enjoyed and appreciated working with him.
Steve Humphries
September 9, 2022
R.I.P. from Joe Franco's All-Stars
Al Larpenteur
September 9, 2022
Jim and I were classmates during our high school years at Blanchet and our college years at S.U. Jim displayed a quiet dignity and had a pleasant approach to everyone. He was very intelligent, but also very humble. He was a key player on Blanchet's basketball team when it won the state basketball championship in 1963. His picture captures the inherent happiness that Jim enjoyed and extended to everyone. Rest in peace, good friend.
Kristin Masteller, GM, Mason County PUD No. 1
September 9, 2022
I'm very sorry to hear about Jim's passing. The citizens of Washington State have lost a champion in the battle to protect public water rights and common sense water regulation in our state. I was always impressed with his knowledge and passion. His absence will be felt around our conference table for quite some time.
Bob and Anita Hutchens
September 9, 2022
Jim was a friend at first introduction...he was that kind of person. Anita and I enjoyed his friendship and his outlook on life. His life was like ripples in a pond, covering and reaching out for great distances.
Doug Levy
September 8, 2022
Jim Miller was an amazing guy, a dedicated and incredibly smart professional among water utility executives - and an even better person. This is a gut-punch to learn of, I wish Jim's family the best and would love to know if there is a cause or organization about which Jim was passionate so that I may make a donation on his behalf.
Teresa Chudecke
September 7, 2022
I was sorry to hear this Gretchen and family. I lectured with Jim on many occasions, He was always an up-beat and pleasant person to be around. May many wonderful memories comfort you now and in the future. Pax. Teresa and Tom Chudecke
Terrie Battuello
September 7, 2022
I worked with Jim on Port of Everett projects. He was such a delight and so wicked smart. He could remember every detail of every real estate matter. He had integrity in his approach and was extremely consistent and reliable. It was a huge loss to the City when he left. I'm so sorry to hear of his passing. A wonderful man. I always looked forward to seeing Jim and kidding him about his paper stacked office. My prayers and sympathies are with the family.
Bill Cox
September 7, 2022
I met Jim playing basketball. He coached my son in basketball and soccer. It had been several years since I had seen Jim and he acted like it had just been a few weeks. That was the type of person he was, kind, loving, and giving. As what happens to often I moved and we lost touch again. We would see each other at Seattle U basketball games and catch up with the parting comment we need to get together soon. Which we never did. Gretchen probably doesn't remember me, we only saw each other a few times but I felt like I really knew her. Jim always told me how she and the kids were doing. He was an incredible person I will always remember with fond memories and regret the rest of my life we didn't get together again. I guess I thought we would live forever.
September 6, 2022
May the love of family and friends, stories and memories shared give you healing and peace. With love, Anna (Leake) Spellman
Don Papasedero
September 6, 2022
While I still am a rookie learning how to play Senior Softball, I am not new to coaching and athletics. I found Jim to be a talented and classy leader who inspired all of us. He had first rate knowledge and a wonderful way of imparting his wisdom in a positive way. It was a distinct pleasure for me to play for him and will not soon be forgotten by his teammates. Jim was a winner in every way!
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