James Miller

James R. Miller, 93, of La Crescent, Minn., and formerly of Fayette, died Thursday, Sept. 13, 2018, at La Crescent Health Services in La Crescent, Minn.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018, at Fayette Community Church in Fayette with Rev. Andy Sayer officiating. 

Interment followed at Grandview Cemetery in Fayette with military rites conducted by American Legion Post 339 of Fayette.

Online condolences may be left at www.beckermilnesrettig.com. 

James Russel, son of Frank and Mabel (Johnson) Miller, was born Feb. 21, 1925, in rural Hawkeye. 

He was baptized and confirmed in the Methodist Faith and received his education in the Hawkeye Schools. 

Jim served honorably in the United States Army during World War II from 1943 until being honorably discharged in 1945. 

On Nov. 4, 1944, he was united in marriage with Mary Ann Olson at the Methodist parsonage in Fayette. To this union two children were born, Sandra and Rodney. The couple made their home in Fayette for nearly 70 years. 

Jim moved to La Crescent, Minn., following Mary Ann’s death in February 2013. 

Jim began his working career at Paul Templeman’s rock quarry before owning his hauling business. He was also a mechanic and trained and traded horses. 

Jim was a member of the American Legion Post 339 of Fayette and was recently awarded as a 70-year member. 

He enjoyed dogs and his horses.

Jim is survived by one son, Rodney (Julie) Miller of La Crescent, Minn.; one daughter, Sandra Thompson of Fayette; seven grandchildren, Michelle Thompson, Janelle Pityer, Jamie (Buddi) Thompson, Jackie (John) Rivard, Jeff (Christy) Miller, Alex Schomers, and Jade Miller; 10 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; one sister, Donna Bailey of Odessa, Mo.; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and wife, Mary Ann, Jim was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Jessica Miller; son-in-law, Ronald Thompson; two brothers, Lyle and Dick Miller; two sisters, Arlene Stuffelbean and Mabel Mary Miller; one sister-in-law, Vivian Miller; and two brothers-in-law, Arlie Stuffelbean and Charlie Bailey.               38u38