James Earl Miller, age 74, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 13, 2020 at St. Francis Medical Center in Tulsa, OK.

J.E. Miller was born October 17, 1945 to Jay and Kathrine Miller of Ponca City, Oklahoma. J.E. was the older of two sons. He attended St. Mary’s Catholic School and graduated with the Class of 1963. J.E. was active in school as the Sr. Class treasurer and the President of Adventure Scouts. He was an avid water skier. J.E. was always willing to help when there was a need.

He enlisted in the United States Army during the Vietnam Conflict and was stationed at Fort Carson in Colorado with the 183rd Maintenance Company. SGT. Miller was deployed to Vietnam from 1966 through1969. J.E. Miller often said, “I can drive anything the Army has” with a chuckle.

After deployment, J.E. returned to Northern Oklahoma. He worked with his parents in the family business, Miller Markets. J.E. had an excellent work ethic. He was a board member of Farm Fresh Dairy and Affiliated Foods. J.E. enjoyed the employees and customers of his businesses.

On a perfect summer night, J.E. met his future bride, Mary Ellen Neal. He was quiet, she was outgoing. They were the perfect balance. The distance from Ponca City to Arkansas City was not a challenge for their courtship. The two saw each other daily and soon became inseparable. While working on his Electric Blue Corvette with Mary sitting next to him. He said, “Do you want to?” She replied, “What?” J.E. emerged from under the dashboard, “Mary, Will you marry me?”

Mr. and Mrs. James Earl Miller were joined at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on June 12, 1971. They were married for 49 years. They made their home on a small farm north of Ponca City.

J.E. loved his community. He was a board member of Northern Oklahoma Youth Services, Conoco Advisory Board and an Ambuc. J.E. sponsored numerous youth sports teams, FFA and PO-HI programs. He was always willing to help behind the scene for his community. J.E. was a devout Catholic and treasured his parish. He enjoyed spending time at the family ranch, working cattle and the overall beauty of the outdoors. Bird watching was also a favorite pastime of his, as well.

Survivors include his daughters, Jamie Caldwell and her two sons of Ponca City, Marley Miller and partner Dee Dee Marchesoni of Ponca City and their 5 children, Caroline and husband John Lowrey of Ft. Sill, OK and their 5 sons, Ida and husband Nathan Williams of Shidler, OK and their 2 daughters, brother-in-law, Jim Neal and wife Donna of Winfield, KS and their children, 4 great-grandchildren and a host of dear friends.

J.E. was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Miller, his parents, Jay and Kathrine Miller, brother, Christopher Miller, grandson, Kalem Marchsoni and beloved dog, Brittni.

Friends and loved ones may pay their respects at Trout Funeral Home on Saturday July 18th from 9am to 8pm and Sunday, July 19th from 1-8pm with the family present to receive guests from 2-4pm. All are welcome. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, July 20th at 10:00 am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Ponca City with Father Carson Krittenbrink officiating. Following the ceremony, he will be laid to rest at the Sunset Memorial Park east of Ponca City in the Osage.

Those unable to attend the funeral mass may attend virtually on the Trout Funeral Home website, www.troutfuneralhome.com. Those planning to attend the service at the church, please remember to bring your mask as all attendees will be ask to wear one.

Casket Bearers will be: Joel Beck, Eric Neal, Nathan Williams, Jeremy Gregg, John Lowery, Noah Miller, Steve Spaich and Jesse Beck. Honorary Casket Bearers will be St. Mary’s Class of 1963, Staff of Northern Oklahoma Youth Services, Jason Marchesoni, and Vearl Caid.

Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Mary’s School, 415 S. 7th St., Ponca City, OK 74601 or the Northern Oklahoma Youth Services, 2203 North Ash St., Ponca City, OK 74601.

Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home & Crematory.