James Aaron "Jimmy" Miller, Jr. Jr.

DURHAM – James Aaron Miller, Jr., 65, passed away on Friday, July 25, 2025, at his home. He was born in Cook County, IL, to the late James Aaron Miller, Sr. and Nancy Lee Coons Miller.

With roots in eastern Iowa, 6-year-old Jimmy moved with his family to Durham in 1966 where he lived the rest of his life. He was a graduate of Northern Durham High School, Class of 1978. After high school he worked for two years for Crain & Denbo Civil Engineering and then joined the NC DOT Division of Highways where he stayed for 37 years until his retirement in 2017. He worked his way from an entry level position (he kept his first DOT pay statement showing he made $1.75/hr in 1980!) to Engineering Specialist Tech 4. He primarily worked as a Bridge Inspector, and we all enjoy the fruits of his labor as we travel on I-885/Durham Expressway/NC147, and parts of I-40 and I-540. Jimmy hired many co-workers that he mentored over the years who themselves went on to have long careers with the DOT and many of whom are still treasured friends today.

Jimmy was a kind and generous person with a great sense of humor and he was always willing to lend a hand to those in need and he inspired loyalty in his friends. He had a deep love of dogs and he will be sorely missed by his beloved chocolate lab, Cameron (who has retired to the country to live with her Aunt Jennifer). He loved the Blue Devils and the Cubs and enjoyed watching Nascar (lots of Nascar!), listening to country music, attending annual family vacations to Ocean Isle Beach and traveling the U.S. to visit family and friends.

The family would like to give special thanks to Connie Gay, John O'Donohue, Keith Derusha, and William Finch who helped support and take care of Jimmy in his retirement years, doing yard work, cooking, shopping, chauffeuring and providing general company.

Mr. Miller is survived by his sisters, Jennifer Miller Torres and husband José and Joan Miller Holladay and husband Mike; nieces, Sarah Holladay Hamilton and husband Adam Hamilton and Kristen Holladay Fetters and wife Sarah Fetters; nephew, John Michael Holladay; great-nephew, Miller J Fetters; step-son, Keith Derusha; and long-time chosen family, the Whitley, Dozier, Gay and Welch families.

The family will receive friends at Clements Funeral Home Gathering Room, 1105 Broad St, Durham, on Saturday, August 2, from 2 pm to 4 pm to celebrate his life. This will be a casual event with formal remarks at 3 pm, at which time we invite you to share memories and stories.

Flowers will be accepted, or memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society by visiting https://donate.cancer.org.

The family is being assisted by Clements Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc. in Durham. Online condolences may be sent to www.clementsfuneralservice.com