James S. Miles

James S. Miles Born Jan 6, 1930, Seattle, WA Died Dec 12, 2008, Taylor, TX James maternal grandparents were prominent early Williamson County settlers, coming here in the 1860's. James graduated from Taylor High School. He received an undergraduate degree and law degree in 1955 from the University of Texas where he was very active in the Sigma Chi fraternity. He spent a couple of years in the U.S. Army reserve, stationed in Japan. James became a prominent Taylor attorney. He was very active in establishing the Taylor branch of Temple Community College and served on the board of the Brushy Creek Water District. In 1966 James became Taylor's municipal judge, a position which he held for more than 30 years. Judge Miles' approach was very professional and fair. He wasn't big on courtroom decorum and wore a simple coat and tie instead of the traditional robe while sitting in a simple red -leather chair. He didn't keep a gavel, and if he did, he probably wouldn't have used it. Judge Miles handled the court's business on a daily basis as he believed cases should be taken care of as soon as possible with a lecture being the last thing a person would get. Judge Miles said "having gotten a ticket or been arrested is problem enough for someone without haranging them". He loved raising cattle, and working and just kicking back on his farm north of Taylor. He loved to travel and would take in an occasional opera. Judge Miles will be missed by his family and many friends. Judge Miles is survived by his brother, John Miles and wife Ruth of Georgetown; his nephew, John Miles III of Georgetown; his great- nephew, Zachary Hunter Miles; and cousins, Larry Miles, Margie Coleman, and Jackie McDonald. Pallbearers will be Dan Byfield, Don Powers, Bob Steer, Lawrence Urbis, John Miles, John Miles III. Services will be held Wednesday, December 17, 2008, at 10:30 a.m., at the Providence Funeral Home in Taylor, followed by a graveside service at the Taylor City Cemetery. Rev. Ronald Stevenson of the Taylor First Presbyterian Church will conduct the services. Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday evening December 16, 2008. The family has requested that, instead of flowers, a donation be made to your favorite charity. Friends are invited to share their words of comfort in an online tribute at http://www.Providencefuneralhome.com in James S. Miles' memory.