James Wayne Miller

1936 - 2019

James Wayne Miller obituary, 1936-2019, Vancouver, WA

BORN

1936

DIED

2019

FUNERAL HOME

Evergreen Memorial Gardens Funeral Chapel

1101 NE 112th Avenue

Vancouver, Washington

James Miller Obituary


JAMES WAYNE MILLER
April 12, 1936 ˜ May 16, 2019

James Wayne Miller, 83, of Vancouver, WA, passed away May 16, 2019. He was born on Easter Sunday, April 12, 1936 to Florence and Jesse Miller. He grew up in Portland, OR and graduated from Grant High School.
Wayne met the love of his life, Marilyn Childs while on a triple blind date with his buddies. He chose the ballet dancer! They were married and still in love for 56 wonderful years. Wayne was Marilyn’s selfless caregiver during the last years of her life.
Wayne’s passion for automobiles began at age 12 when he purchased a Model A Ford roadster for $25.00. His father allowed him to drive it up and down the driveway. Wayne’s friends could often be found hanging out at the Miller garage working on car projects.
In his early years of marriage, Wayne served in the National Guard while working at Freightliner.
Wayne and his business partner started and ran Classic Motors in Hazel Dell from 1966 to 1973. Wayne was the used car manager at Bob Kendall Chevrolet until his retirement in 1998.
Wayne built numerous classic cars from frame to completion. He shared his love of all things automotive with his sons and grandsons. There hasn’t been a year that the Miller men haven’t had a stall at the Portland Auto Swap Meet.
Wayne enjoyed buying, selling, and getting a great deal. He was a true salesman. He had a knack for finding the ideal car and car parts for the right price. Wayne found pleasure in cooking. His specialty was breakfast, but he could make a mean meatloaf and steak too. His grandmother’s cast iron skillet was a valuable tool in his kitchen.
Wayne also enjoyed jazz, reading, antiques, YouTube and auctions. He was easygoing and could find the humor in simple everyday situations. He kept us entertained with his quick dry wit. Wayne was a true gentleman and man of faith.
Wayne will be greatly missed by his family and friends, but we know he is dancing, laughing and cruising with his dear Marilyn once again.
Wayne was preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn; and his granddaughter, Kaitlin.
He is survived by his sons, Jeff (Nancy) and Mike (Tracy); daughter, Wendy Miller; and grandsons, Peter (Erika), Ethan and Wyatt.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 8th at 10:00 a.m. at Evergreen Memorial Gardens, 1101 NE 112th Ave., Vancouver, WA 98684.
Please sign his guest book @ www.columbian.com/obits

Published by The Columbian on May 26, 2019.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for James Miller

Not sure what to say?





6 Entries

WAYNE WAS A GREAT PERSON TO WORK WITH AND WILL BE MISS.I WORKED WITH HIM AT BOB KENDALL CHEVROLET FOR MANY YEARS AND FUN TIMES. CONDOLENCES TO HIS FAMILY

TOM MADISON

Coworker

June 21, 2020

Wayne an I went to Medford to look at a 32 ford sedan . Wayne purchased the car it had no interior but had big Oldsmobile engine..it was a driver with limited exhaust!! So we put a 5 gallon bucket where the drivers seat was missing!! I convinced him that I could drive it home!! I was 18 at the time an after many stops we managed to get it home!! Needless to say my eyes watered for days!! Those were the days as a young guy that I worked for him At classic motors. I dont have the space for all the stories I remember. He will be missed!!

Jeffrey Nelson

June 8, 2019

Wayne was one of the really good guys who have passed through my life. I am so thankful that I was able to re-connect with him in recent years and will certainly miss him.

Lloyd Clemans

June 5, 2019

I am Wayne Miller's barber. And have been for many many years. What a wonderful man Wayne was. So soft spoken and kind and sometimes a bit of a wicked sense of humor. I saw the death notice in the paper and I was a bit confused since i never knew his first name was James. It was always Wayne Miller. I was also having the feeling especially the last time he was in that the end was near. It just felt a little bit different............but he said nothing specific. And i would not have thought that he would say anything specific about his death. I am sorry for his passing. A very good man.

Gerald Davis

June 3, 2019

I knew Wayne through my dad, Elmer Hards! They worked together at Bob Kendall Chevrolet! Real nice man! They both enjoyed working on cars together! My dad did a lot of after work at home for Wayne! Real good friends! He bought my 72 ChevelleSS for a good price! Will miss him!'

Steve Hards

May 26, 2019

Wayne was one of the nicest people I ever met. My husband and I painted cars for Kendall Chevrolet. But we knew him for years. He and my husband both loved cars. I know he will be missed and remembered fondly by all.

Peggy Grelck

May 26, 2019

Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results

Make a Donation
in James Miller's name

Memorial Events
for James Miller

Jun

8

Memorial service

10:00 a.m.

Evergreen Memorial Gardens Funeral Chapel

1101 NE 112th Avenue, Vancouver, WA 98684

Funeral services provided by:

Evergreen Memorial Gardens Funeral Chapel

1101 NE 112th Avenue, Vancouver, WA 98684

How to support James's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor James Miller's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more