James Byard Miller

James Byard Miller "Jim" 80, entered the presence of our Lord on March 13, 2015 in Audubon, Minnesota. He was born January 20, 1935 in Moorhead, Minnesota where he grew up and attended school. Jim developed a strong work ethic by the age of 7, accepting responsibility for delivering papers before school and working at Helgren's farm alongside his two brothers after school, all to help the family provide. He was a tremendous athlete who had an enormous love of sports. He ran track, played baseball, basketball, and earned a scholarship playing collegiate football as a Concordia Cobber. There he met his love, Marcy Thompson, during his sophomore year. They married that August of '55 in Belfield, North Dakota. The newlyweds enjoyed a brief honeymoon in the Black Hills, before returning to Moorhead and resuming their schedules. Jim graduated from Concordia College the spring of '57, double majoring in Business and Physical Education and also earning his coaching certificate. He began his teaching and coaching career in Henning, MN. While teaching, Jim achieved his Master's Degree in Business Education and earned credits toward his Doctorate from the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN in '63. The next decade would bring Jim and his family to Melrose, Granite Falls, and Marshall before Detroit Lakes became their home; where he taught High School business law and accounting for over twenty years. His simple philosophy "Work hard and always do your best!" influenced many and enabled people to exceed even their own expectations. Hard work was a rewarding part of Jim's life. His positive demeanor and lead by example persona has been adopted and cherished by many. He loved gardening and fishing; his flower gardens were a delight to anyone who laid eyes on them; and Christmas displays were his winter's garden. He enjoyed decorating and preparing thousands of colorful lights in celebration of our Savior's birth. Embraced by God, Jim and Marcy are devoted members of Faith Lutheran Church. He was a believer in Christ and a dedicated Christian. Jim cared for many, loved his family, but above all, was a servant of our Lord. Jim is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Marcy Miller; their 2 daughters, Sonja (Larry) Bracy of Clearwater, FL & Marsha (Dennis) Erickson of Kennewick, WA; 4 grandchildren, Shawna (Scott) Pratt, Jason (Whitney) Williams, Justin Bracy, & Katie (Zach) Case; 4 great grandchildren; 2 brothers Richard (Joanne) Miller of Raytown, MO & Donald (Vernette) Miller of Lake Oswego, OR. He is preceded in death by his mother Mary Miller; sister Marilyn McClure and grandson Christopher James Williams.