James Harlan Miller

James Harlan "Jim" Miller entered God's glory on June 24, 2025 at the age of 79.

Jim had an incredible gift for making others feel comfortable and valued. Whether reconnecting with old friends or meeting new people, he effortlessly formed lasting bonds. His humor, teasing spirit, and knack for giving affectionate nicknames to loved ones (and even his cars and the cars that got away) brought smiles to everyone he met. Jim’s laughter was infectious and his teasing memorable.

Jim was born on February 11, 1946, in Waterloo, Iowa. Over the years, he lived in Cedar Falls, New Hampton, Fredericksburg, and Waterloo before making his home in Gilbert, AZ, where he met and married his wife of 24 years, Linda. After 30 years in Arizona he finally returned to Iowa, to live out his days with his daughter and her family.

From the packing house of Rath to the bakeries of Sara Lee to the balls and tees of Nevada Bob’s and finally to the stagecoaches of Wells Fargo, Jim found great success in his career.

A true cowboy at heart, Jim was a man who loved the great outdoors. Whether it was teeing off on the golf course, spending afternoons at the shooting range, hunting small game, enjoying the peacefulness of boating and fishing, or just going out for a drive, every outing was an adventure. Jim’s passion for his hobbies was clearly shown in the meticulous time and energy he spent on them and in the joy he found in sharing them with those he loved. And of course he made friends all along the way.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, James and Jewel Miller; his former spouse, Marlene; his stepson, Eric; and his beloved wife, Linda. He is survived by his daughter, Michelle (Kevin, Kailey and Logan, Nick and Brianna, and their families) Bunger of Urbandale, IA; his son, Jason (Karissa, Hannah, Zoey) Miller of Lakewood Ranch, FL; the mother of his children, Nancy (Jack) Anderson; his sister Suze Anderson, five stepchildren, Matt, Stephanie, Justin, Heather, and Corbett; twelve grandchildren and step-grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom he loved dearly… and finally the newest love of his life, Marley the Labradoodle.

Jim will be remembered for his kindness, humor, and the deep love he had for his family and friends. He left a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held on July 2, 2025, at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home in Urbandale, IA. Visitation is from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 pm, with the service from 3:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. His remains will be laid to rest at a later date alongside his parents at the Garden of Memories Cemetery in Waterloo, IA.

Memorials in Jim’s honor can be directed to the family to be used for a cause that honors healthcare workers.