James L. Miller

James L. Miller, 93, of Youngsville, PA, entered into eternal life with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, June 1, 2023.  Born May 26, 1930, in Warren, PA, he was the son of the late Raymond John (RJ) Miller and Irene Salome Wenzel Miller.  He served his country in the United States Army 47th Division at Camp Rucker, Alabama. He was a participant on the Buffalo Niagara Honor Flight #13 where he was recently honored to lay the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier along with his brother David and son-in-law John at Arlington National Cemetery in October of 2022. Jim received his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees from Clarion State Teachers College. He taught at Youngsville High School for 37 years while simultaneously driving the Y-10 school bus, which he continued after retiring from teaching. Jim will be remembered by thousands of schoolchildren. He was a wonderful school bus driver for 57 years. He was a basketball coach spanning over four decades. He was honored to be inducted into the Warren County Sports Hall of Fame in 2008. He was a member of the Youngsville First United Methodist Church and served in various capacities. In 1983 he was recognized as Lay Person of the year.  He was a member of the Stillwater Lodge of the Free and Accepted Masons of Youngsville where he was a Past Master. As a 32 degree Mason, he was a member of the Coudersport Consistory. With the Warren County Shrine Club he was fondly known as “Poppy The Clown”. He was also active in the Brokenstraw Antique Tractor Club, the Saturday Night Dance Club, and the National Campers and Hikers Association.  He enjoyed big band music, especially Lawrence Welk. He loved spending time with his family, puttering at home, gardening, and riding his tractor.

Jim married Marilyn L. (Smith) Miller on July 12, 1952 at the Warren Baptist Church and they were happily married for 67 years,  until Marilyn’s passing on July 24, 2019.  They are now together forever. Among Jim’s fondest memories were camping, holidays, or any time family members could gather. 

Jim is survived by his children:  Grace (John) Backstrom of Warren, Gayle (Larry) Kerman of Getzville, NY, Geraldine (Chad) Lyter of Allegany, NY, and Glenn (Judy) Miller of West Grove, PA; also Bart VanLoven a 1977-1978 AFS exchange student from Belgium; 11 grandchildren: MaryLynne (Tony Rindsberg) Kerman, Kristen (Greg) Spears, Sarah (Jason Knox) Monticue,  Brian (Laura) Lyter, Michael (Kristan Callahan) Kerman, Lauren (David) Bowman, Gabrielle (Zach) Schifferle, Katie (Carson Bell) Lyter, Mallory (Marco Fenton) Kerman, Marlene (Connor Keane) Miller and James R. Miller; 7 great-grandchildren: William, Annalee, Alexandra, Rose Poppy, Elle, Paul, and Madison. He is also survived by brother David (Bonnie) Miller, sister-in-law Annette Angora, several nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.  In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a foster brother, Arthur Anderson, a sister, Anita Miller Smith, and two brothers-in-law, Charles Smith and Melvin Ned Smith.

Family and friends will be received for a time of visitation on Sunday, June 4, 2023 at McKinney Funeral Home, 54 West Main Street, Youngsville, PA  from 2-4 and 6-8 pm.  A funeral service will be held on Monday at 1 pm at the First United Methodist Church, 225 East Main Street, Youngsville with Rev. Jeffery Canter and Rev. Jason Knox officiating.  A graveside service will follow at the Warren County Memorial Park with full military honors.  The family suggests those wishing to place a memorial may do so to First United Methodist Church of Youngsville or Shriners Hospital, 1634 W 8th St., Erie, PA 16505.  Condolences may be left at www.mckinneyfuneral.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James L. Miller, please visit our floral store.