James Lenward Miller, 1933 – 2020

James Lenward Miller passed away Sunday, Aug. 16, 2020, at the age of 87.

James was born in Inverness, Mississippi, the son of Lake Erie Miller and Verna Ruth Fowler Miller. He graduated from Anguilla High School and attended Hinds Community College and Delta State University. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1953 to 1957 as a fighter jet mechanic during the Korean conflict. He married Shirley Weatherbee Miller in Smithville, Mississippi, on Aug. 16, 1963. He served in the Mississippi National Guard where he worked as Administrative Staff Technician and retired as a first sergeant May 3, 1993. He owned and operated Small Engine Repair Shop. He was a member of Anguilla Methodist Church and the Rolling Fork Volunteer Fire Department. James was an avid hunter and fisherman and loved his deer camp. He greatly loved his grandchildren and his great-grandchild.

He is proceeded in death by his sister Billie June Woods.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Shirley Miller; sons Shane Miller (Reneé) and Cody Miller (Mary Elizabeth); brother, Deanie Miller; sister Jo Ann Lee; grandchildren, Kory Miller Reynolds (Cody), Klaire Ashton Miller (fiancé Daniel Shawl), Hayden James Dunbar Miller and Ava Grace Elizabeth Miller; and great-grandchild, Sawyer Miller Reynolds.

A graveside service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 20, 2020, at Mound Cemetery in Rolling Fork, Mississippi, with Rev. Millard Caulder officiating the service.

Pallbearers will be Michael Miller, Lee James, Lee Ross, Cauley Chase, Robert Earl McClendon, Robb Higgs, Ritchie Woods and Eddie Woods. Honorary pallbearers will be members of Blue Lake Hunting Club, Ed Touchberry, Jimmy Moore, Charles McPhail, Earl Anderson and Roger Dale.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.