James E. Miller, Jr.
June 29, 1927 ~ December 13, 2015
James E. "Jim" Miller Jr., age 88, of Geneva, Ohio spent his last days on earth at his home in Balboa Island, California with his loved ones. Jim was called to his eternal home on Sunday, December 13, 2015. James E. Miller Jr., son of J. Earl Miller and Frances (Green) Miller, was born on June 29, 1927, in Geneva, Ohio.
Jim was raised in Geneva, graduated from Geneva High School and The Ohio State University. While a senior in high school Jim enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served in World War II on the USS YMS 49 Minesweeper in the China Seas. Jim was an accomplished real estate broker and real estate developer, working on many projects in Ohio, Florida, Arizona, California and Mexico. He married Mary Yvonne "Bonnie" Hume on December 30, 1948 in Geneva, Ohio. The marriage was blessed with four children. The family lived in Geneva Township, Ohio.
Jim was a devoted husband and father. He was a visionary leader that inspired many in his life. Jim dedicated his life to his family, hard work and the betterment of his community. Jim followed in his father's and grandfather's footsteps continuing the family business, The Miller Realty Company, but his ambitions went far beyond real estate. His work ethic, faith, and compassion for others was evident through many aspects of his life for example assisting individuals with developmental disabilities through the foundation of Homestead Residential in Geneva with his wife Bonnie. Jim's work ethic and drive for success are part of the legacy he leaves behind. In addition, he had a way with people that went beyond words. Jim's love for people and desire to make other's lives better beamed through his smile and the twinkle in his eye.
Accolades: Ohio Real Estate Broker of the Year, National Association of Realtors Trader of the Year and Realtor Emeritus, First President of the Ohio Chapter of Real Estate Traders, Accredited Farm Broker and Rural Appraiser.
Developer of: West Shore Meadows and Stonegate in Saybrook; West View in Jefferson; Broadway Gardens, Spencer Drive/Circle and Millwood in Geneva; Arcola Shores and Cummings Beach in Madison; Mentor Ridge and Mentor Farms in Mentor; Sturgeon Point Condos in Geneva-on-the-Lake; River Glen in Austinburg; Ridge Manor, Florida, a master planned community with over 3, 000 homes; Numerous rv and mobile home parks consisting of over 3, 500 home sites; he was also instrumental in the development of Playa Gemelas Condominiums and Villa Balboa in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, as well as many commercial activities.
Jim leaves his wife Yvonne "Bonnie" of Balboa Island, California; his sons Jamie (Margie) Miller of Austinburg, Ohio, Robbie Miller of Austinburg, Ohio; his daughters Mary Miller of Rancho Mission Viejo, California and Sarah (Denis) Bergeron of Covington, Louisiana; ten grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren and his sister Elizabeth Miller Whitney of Saint Petersburg, Florida. He was preceded in death by his parents J. Earl Miller and Frances Green Miller.
Visitation hours are 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 19, 2015 at Christ Episcopal Church, 66 S Eagle St. Geneva, Ohio. The funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 19, 2015 at Christ Episcopal Church, followed by a graveside service at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Geneva, Ohio. Rev. Dr. C. Thomas Jackson will be the celebrant. Following the graveside service there will be a light luncheon for family and friends at Christ Episcopal Church.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Jim's memory to The American Parkinson's Disease Association, 135 Parkinson Avenue, Staten Island, New York or to the charity of your choice.
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I have such wonderful memories from the Miller household. My condolences to you all. Devon
Prayers and fond memories are what we have to remember our dearly departed. May the love of family and friends comfort you during these difficult days, our most heartfelt condolences.
So sorry for your loss, he was a good man and will be remembered by many for a very very very long time, forever!
Our thoughts and prayers are with you . Jim made working at Miller Realty in Geneva during my high school years very interesting. He will be missed. Gail (Stacy) Page
My thoughts and prayers are with the Miller Family at this time. While his work on earth is over, heaven has gained a great angel to continue watching over his family and friends. May you find comfort in knowing you will see him again.
Bonnie, You and your family have my deepest sympathies and are in my thoughts and prayers. I was happy to read about the “…twinkle in his eye…” because although we only met briefly, that's what I remember most (that and the 100 lbs. of lily bulbs he sent home after my mother visited 🙂 He (and yourself) were so kind to my mom. We will be taking good care of Mrs. Whitney here in St. Petersburg. God bless.
Jim Miller was a great man and I am blessed to have known him. I only knew him for the past 5 years but I will remember him for the remainder of my life. He was such a nice man and a mentor to me. I know that all of us at Via Elegante in Arizona will miss him and we are blessed to have known him and his wonderful family.
Dear Margie, Jamie and Family..we are very sorry for your loss..he was such a sweet man who made a difference in the Geneva community and also in the world..take care…Dianne Polombo Gaylord and family
Dear Bonnie and family: I am so sorry for your loss. Jim was such a fine man, loved by all who knew him. All of his family, here at Playas Gemelas, recognized all his did for improving our lives here at our Paradise in Puerto Vallarta, and it was much appreciated. I will miss him and send you my love, as you go,through this difficult time.
Fondly, Karen Crest
I first met Jim when he purchased his home on Balboa Island over 20 years ago. The Seller of the home was Stubborn and Jim slightly waivered buying it until his wife Bonnie demonstrated to him that it was the Home she wanted. I loved watching him go through the options and coming to a decision that he knew he had to make for the good of all around him.He was a great businessman with expectations based on how to distribute good for everyone and enhance others lives, in all seriousness very kind and thoughtful. He was a friend and mentor to me and I will always remember him and his entire family for the same attributes and kindness of doing great things for all to benefit. He was greatly loved by all who came in contact with him. I cant imagine that he has not already started to find some great projects to help with in his new environment .. Love to Bonnie , Mary and the entire family I will greatly miss him .
“Big Jim” was a very interesting guy. I always enjoyed time spent around him. I knew Jim when his daughter Sarah and I were in college. He was funny and sweet man and I loved being around he and his family. He left quite a legacy in his children.