James Miller

J. Gordon Miller, age 87 years of Mishawaka, formerly of Niles, Michigan died on Sunday, January 18, 2015 at Westwoods of Niles following a brief illness. He was born November 2, 1927 in Indianapolis to John Harold and Lillian Rosamond (Bernhardt) Miller.

Gordon was a 1944 Marion High School graduate and a World War II Veteran of the United States Army Air Corps, serving in the Pacific Theater. He went to work for Local Finance Company in Marion in the 1950 and was transferred Niles in 1953 where everyone came to know him as "OK" Miller. In 1961, Gordon began work for former Buchanan plant of Clark Equipment Company, retiring in 1986 after 25 years of service. Gordon was a 45 year member of the Niles American Legion Post #26 and a lifetime member of the B.P.O. of Niles Elks #1322 for 62 years. He was also a lifetime member of both the Berrien County Youth Fair Association and the Berrien County Sheriff’s Posse, where he served as Captain for four years.

Gordon was previous married to Geraldine Elliott, who later died in 2009. Gordon married Rosemary (Ernst) Runyan on February 8, 1986. Rosemary survives as well as Gordon’s two daughters, Kathryn (& Joe Antus) Denaut of Elkhart and Linda L. Miller of Niles; one step-son, Rod (& Kim) Runyan of Texas and one step-daughter, Bonnie (& Dave) DeRitter of Florida. Also surviving are grandchildren, Jeffrey “Otto” Miller of Niles, Dan Denaut, II of Indianapolis, Alycia Denaut of Granger, Ian Miller, Nicole Miller, Lacey (& Mike) Peters, Jay D. Wiemuth, Chad G. Wiemuth, all of Niles; step-grandchildren, Robert Selbie, Tyler Selbie, Kyle (& William) Norman and Brett Runyan, 9 great-grandchildren; nieces Pam (& John) David of Converse, Indiana, Andrea (& Joe) Buda of Mishawaka; nephews John (& Dana) Miller of Valrico, Florida and Jack (& Joleen) Miller of New Orleans, Louisiana and their families.

Gordon was preceded in death by a son, Jay Miller, step-son , Billy Runyan and a brother, Jack Miller.

The funeral service for J. Gordon Miller will be held at 2:00p.m. on Thursday, January 22, 2015 at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles with Rev. Cathi Huvaere of Wesley United Methodist Church officiating. Interment will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 5-8:00p.m. at the funeral home on Wednesday, January 21, 2015 and for one hour prior to services on Thursday.

Donations in memory of Gordon may be made to the veterans organization or animal charity of choice.

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