In part of the obit it references Grandpa's skills in storytelling, and I have to say they got that right. At the funeral a lot of his favorite stories were shared and it made me cry. He had a way of making each of us grandchildren really feel like we were his favorite. I honestly still thought I was his favorite until I went to the service and everyone started mentioning that. He fooled me til the very end!
At the graveside service Brett mentioned his favorite joke that grandad told him when Brett was 10 or 11. It goes: Why did the blind man give up bungee jumping? Why? Because it scared the crap out of his dog.
Each of the grandchildren got to speak briefly, the girls each placing a flower on his casket, the boys a small American flag. It was pretty tough emotionally.
I would be feeling alright but then look up and see an aunt or uncle with tears in their eyes and then I'd get upset again.
At the viewing it was difficult to see him lifeless in the coffin. My cousin Jacob commented how different a body can really seem when the spirit has departed. I have to agree. It almost seemed that visiting with the body made no sense considering I know that grandad is gone from this sphere. When I did go up to the coffin I took my nephew Anderson with me for support. I couldn't cry if he was with me.
All in all it was a wonderful and sad day spent with my family. I love them so much and feel so blessed that I have them in this life as my guide and comfort. I love my grandfather and will always cherish the bit of him that makes up a part of me. Just today dad commented on something I said that he said "That's a Grandpa thing to say" and I couldn't have been happier.
John Albert Miller Jr
of Silverdale
June 30, 1924
to June 23, 2010
Veteran
John Albert Miller Jr. known as "Jack" by all his friends and family was the worlds best storyteller! His stories and jokes were unrivaled. He was a loving husband, Father, Grandfather & Great Grandfather.
Jack was born June 30th 1924 in Hillsboro, Oregon and died June 23rd 2010 at the age of 85. He is survived by his wife Jackie and seven children: John Miller (Karen), Elaine Gunter (Doug), Marza Lutz of Vancouver Washington, Dan Miller (Susan) of Portland Oregon, Anne Green (Jim), Carla Palmer (Stan) of Silverdale Washington and Shannon Hull (Bob) of Auburn, Washington. He had 31 Grandchildren and 29 great grandchildren.
Jack was a Navy veteran in WWII having served on a sub-tender in the South Pacific. Jack was proud to serve his country and valued freedom.
When he returned from the Navy he met and married Jaqueline Jean Johnson November 7, 1947 in Portland Oregon where they raised there family.
As a young father he went to night school to learn drafting which helped him advance in his career. He was a superintendent for a steel erection company.
Jack was an active member of "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints". Together with his wife he served a mission for their church in Salt Lake City in the genealogy library.
Up until the last week of his life, Jack was still operating his backhoe, which he loved. He lived a full life surrounded by his children and grandchildren. He was loved and will be missed.
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