James Frederick Miller, 91, of New Bedford passed away peacefully on Friday, February 16th, 2024 prayerfully surrounded by his family.
Born in New Bedford to Maria (DeFreitas) and Edward Miller he was married to the love of his life and high school sweetheart Janet L. (Sowle) Miller for 67 years until her death in November of 2020.
In his youth Jim was an outstanding four sport athlete lettering in baseball, basketball, football and track at New Bedford Vocational Technical High School where he was later inducted into the sports hall of fame. Shortly after high school he was invited to try out for the Boston Red Sox. He was called back for a second round of tryouts around the same time he was drafted into the U.S. Army. He spent two years of active duty in the Korean War and was awarded the Korean Service Medal with one Bronze Service Star, a United Nations Service Medal, a National Defense Service Medal, and a Combat Infantry Badge. Although he never spoke about his time in the service his pride in serving his country was displayed on his Korean War Veteran cap which he wore constantly.
After the war Jim was employed at Revere Copper and Brass retiring from his position as an inspector after 41 years of service.
Jim enjoyed camping with his family, the 6 J’s, for over 50 years at Ellis Haven, making lifelong friendships along the way. He was proud of his family of four children, 10 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. An avid cribbage player, he won the league championship at the Acushnet Senior Center at the age of 89. In his earlier years he also enjoyed bowling, volleyball, golfing and was a ringer at horseshoes. He was a desirable teammate for any sport, and in the journey of life.
Jim was a faithful parishioner of St. John Neumann Church in Freetown and a beloved member of the Couples Club.
Jim is survived by his four children, James F. Miller Jr. and his wife, Ginger of Acushnet, Jeffrey C. Miller and his wife, Elizabeth of New Bedford, Jill Britton of New Bedford, and Jennifer Camire of Dartmouth. He was predeceased by his son-in-law, David Britton.
His visitation will be held on Thursday February 22nd from 4-7 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. His Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, February 23th at 10 AM at St. John Neumann Church, 157 Middleboro Rd., East Freetown, with the option to pay final respects at the funeral home at 8:30 AM. Burial will be at Pine Grove Cemetery immediately following the Mass. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim’s memory may be made to the Veterans Transition House, 1297 Purchase St., New Bedford, MA 02740. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.