James Raymond Miller

James Raymond Miller, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, peacefully departed this world on May 25, 2026, after a brief illness. Born on May 4, 1955, in the charming town of Cortland, NY, James lived a life filled with love, laughter, and a tireless dedication to his family and community. James was the cherished son of the late Francis "Jim" and Mary "Sue" Miller, who instilled in him the values of hard work and compassion. He was a proud graduate of Cortland High School, class of 1973, where he began a lifelong journey of learning and growth. In 1976, James married the love of his life, Shelly Anderson. Together, they crafted a beautiful 50-year marriage, raising four wonderful children: Deric (Cynthia) of New Jersey, Renee (David) of Texas, Kevin (Crystal) of New Mexico, and Travis (Megan) of New Mexico. Their lives were enriched by seven grandchildren—Aedin, Rebecca, Skye, Preston, Brooke, Lief, and Jenna—who brought immense joy and pride to James's heart. James's career was a testament to his unwavering work ethic. For over three decades, he served the City of Albuquerque's Solid Waste department as a dedicated supervisor, retiring in 2013. His colleagues remember him as a hardworking and intelligent man, whose good sense of humor made even the toughest days brighter. Beyond his professional accomplishments, James was a man of many talents. A skilled woodworker and builder, he could transform raw materials into beautiful creations. His knack for fixing cars was legendary; there was no vehicle issue he couldn't solve, and his cars seemed to run forever under his expert care. Known affectionately as "Mr. Fix-it," James's hands were always busy, and his heart was always open. James is survived by his loving wife Shelly, his devoted children and grandchildren, and his siblings Susan (Lee) ten Haken of Colorado, Karen Chapman (James) of New York, Robert (Janet) Miller of New Jersey, Richard (Diana) Miller of New York, Linda (Thomas) Crompton of Pennsylvania, Edward (Susan) Miller of Michigan, and Pamela (Ed) Miller of North Carolina. He also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews who will miss their beloved uncle dearly. James's life was a testament to love, laughter, and resilience. Though he is no longer with us, his spirit lives on in the hearts of all who knew him. A private funeral ceremony will be held to honor his memory. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the American Kidney Foundation in James's honor. This gesture reflects his lifelong commitment to helping others and ensuring that his legacy of compassion continues. James Raymond Miller will be remembered for his warmth, his wit, and his unwavering dedication to his family and community. His legacy is a testament to a life well-lived, and he will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.