James “Jim” Walter Miller, 85, of Parsons, died at 10:49 A.M., Thursday, October 10, 2019 at the Presbyterian Manor.
He was born December 24, 1933 in Chamois, MO, a son of Jesse James “Buck” LaFavor and Minnie Amos. His father died before he was born and he was raised by his mother and in later years by his step-father, Ralph A. Miller. Growing up, his family lived in Cheyenne, WY, Kansas City, MO, St. Louis, MO and later moved to Parsons, where he graduated high school. Following high school Jim attended Wichita State University, receiving his construction engineering certificate.
Continuing residence in Parsons, he worked as a Union Card Holder, Journeyman Contractor for LaForge and Budd Construction, and later Art Hill Sr. Other career highlights included helping to build the Parsonian Hotel and the KG&E Power Plant. He then operated Jim Miller Construction for over forty years, building and remodeling homes and commercial buildings. Jim was a masterful finish carpenter, specializing in custom cabinets. He was President of the MKT Rod and Gun Club in Moran for several years, where he and his wife, Nancy, enjoyed spending time at their cabin. An avid fisherman, he acquired many awards and recognitions.
On October 24, 1954 he was united in marriage to Nancy Lee Norton at the First Baptist Church in Parsons. She preceded him in death on September 24, 2018. Jim was a member of the First Christian Church in Parsons. In early years, he was a member of the Jaycees and had been a troop leader with the Boy Scouts where he assisted many young men in earning their Eagle Scout Awards. He had also been a member of the Young Democrats with aspiring efforts in politics. His greatest joys were spending time talking with family, friends and his beloved wife, Nancy. His grandchildren knew him as “One Crazy Grandpa” as he brought so many smiles as he shared his lessons of life with them that they’ll treasure forever.
Survivors include: one son and daughter in-law - Gary Lee and Jodie Miller, Ozark, MO; two daughters and sons in-law – Pamela Ann and Trent L. Alexander, Ft. Worth, TX, Jeanette and Vince Horton, Parsons, KS; eight grandchildren – Adie Williams, Springfield, MO, Jimmy Miller and his wife, Julie, West Plains, MO, Sam Miller, and his wife, Kayla West Plains, MO, Sydney Miller, St. Louis, MO, Drew L. Alexander, Amarillo, TX, Vanessa S. Stanfield, and her husband, Devin, London, England, Allison Garcia, and her husband, Rich, Weston, FL, Scott Horton, Dallas, TX; ten great-grandchildren; one brother and sister in-law – Dwayne and Clara Miller, Huntsville, AL; one sister in-law – Pat Norton, Torrance, CA; numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by one sister – Elaine Hempen and one brother in-law – Don Norton.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M., Wednesday, October 16, 2019 at the First Christian Church with Rev. Laurie Lewis officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Lawn Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7:00 until 8:00 Tuesday evening at the CARSON-WALL FUNERAL HOME. Memorials are suggested to the First Christian Church. These may be left at or mailed to the funeral home, P.O. Box 942, Parsons, KS 67357. Online condolences may be left at www.wallfuneralservices.com.
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