Class of 1968
1968 Maroon Spotlight
James Miller
Track 63-68; Dist. and Reg. Champ 66-67; State Champ 66-67; National Federation Meet 66-67; Meet of Champions 66-67; Football 65-68; Basketball 65-66, 67-68; F. C. A. 64-68; F. C. A. Delegate 67-68; Band 65-68; Christmas Vespers 65-66.
1968 Graduation EditionPerry Daily Journal
James A. Miller, 19-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. James A. Miller Sr. of 1403 Country Club drive, won the state two-mile championship in track last year as a junior. He also has been outstanding in football and basketball, and has been a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Other activities have included band 1964-66, senior play, delegate to FCA summer camp and regional track championship. He was born Dec. 26, 1948, in Enid, but has attended only Perry schools. For relaxation he likes to swim and water ski. Art is his favorite subject. Miller plans to work this summer and enter college, possibly OSU, in the fall.
James Alva Miller, Jr.
December 26, 1948 – April 25, 2019
James Alva Miller Jr., “Jim” born to James Alva Miller Sr. and Mabel Alma (Plano) Miller on December 26, 1948, in Enid, OK, completed his journey in this life on Thursday, April 25, 2019, in Perry, OK.
Jim was a lifelong resident of Perry, OK. He attended Perry High School where he starred on the high school track team, and “set a state record” for the 2 mile run with a time of 10:39:65 before graduating in 1968.
On February 4, 1969, Jim, “volunteered to serve during Vietnam” by joining the US Navy, and was assigned to the USS America (CVA66) which was one of three Kitty Hawk-class supercarriers built for the United States Navy in the 1960s. Commissioned in 1965, the USS America spent most of her career in the Atlantic and Mediterranean but did make three Pacific deployments serving in the Vietnam War. Jim’s Naval Education and Training included AFUN “P” School, Aviation Machinist’s Mate Class “A” School, AMFU Class “A” School, and Navy Training Course for Airman. During active duty, he also received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and a Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon. Jim’s sportsmanship skills earned him the Captains Cup as the 1970 Diving Champ, as well as the Naval Air Station Ellyson Field Sports Award. Jim was released from active duty on March 24, 1973, and served in the Naval Reserve until February 3, 1975.
Jim proved himself to be a man of many talents during his years of employment, as a lifeguard at the Perry Public Pool, a position in management for a chain of business schools in Texas, traveling as a CNA with his son James, and serving as security for local casinos.
Jim is survived by his loving wife Anna Nichols-Miller, two sons James Alva Miller III, wife JaCinda, and John A. Miller, two daughters Christina Ridgway and husband Troy and Jessica Moore. He is also survived by 8 grandchildren Saryn and Kaysen “Pete” Miller, Jenevieve Miller, Aniston, and Linleigh Ridgway, Racin, Trinity, and Phenix Moore, one uncle James “Jimmy” Plano and a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents James Alva Miller Sr. and Mabel Alma (Plano) Miller, one sister Judy Coffman, and one brother John Miller.
A private service is scheduled for immediate family. The family has request for donations to be made in Jim’s honor and memory to a charitable foundation for our Vietnam Veterans.