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1936
2019
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
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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
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Jun
8
10:00 a.m.
Evergreen Memorial Gardens Funeral Chapel1101 NE 112th Avenue, Vancouver, WA 98684
Funeral services provided by:
Evergreen Memorial Gardens Funeral Chapel1101 NE 112th Avenue, Vancouver, WA 98684
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