James Oliver “J.O.” Miller, 82, passed away Wednesday, June 27, 2018 at Texoma Medical Center in Denison, TX.
J.O. was born July 16, 1935, in Denison, son of Oliver and Mary Dunning Miller. After attending Denison schools, J.O. married Sharon Rice and moved to Houston, where he worked as a heavy equipment operator until his retirement in the 1980s. He then moved back to the Denison area after having divorced Sharon, settling in Colbert.
An outdoorsman, J.O. enjoyed fishing, boating, camping, and hosting family cookouts. A skilled carpenter, J.O. built two homes “from scratch”, many fences, barbeque pits, and other sentimental artwork including hand-crafted outdoor furniture. He took great pride in teaching others the skills he had learned to master. He served in the National Guard as a young man and was a Mason.
J.O. was preceded in death by his parents; a son, James “Jimbo” Oliver Miller Jr.; two sisters, Jackie Hoover and Helen Hawk; infant brother, Don Clyde Miller; grandson, Seth Gartman; and longtime love and companion of 22 years, Ilene Gartman.
Surviving are a son, Donald Miller of Colbert; sister, Berniece Dalton of Denison; brother, Richard Miller of Denison; stepchildren, Wesley Johnston and his wife, Danielle; Beth Long and her companion, Justin; Billy Gartman and his wife, Misty; Dallas Hale and his wife, Christine; many grandchildren, and a great-grandson; special cousins, Billie Montgomery and Nelda Perdue, both of Denison; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held privately with the beloved family at a later time.