Jack Miller, age 92, of Rapid City, formerly of Rantoul, IL, passed away on Wednesday, March 28, 2012 at Munson Hospice House in Traverse City. He was the son of the late Benedict and Grace Lillian (King) Miller. Jack was born just before midnight on January 14, 1920 on the Miller Farm on Miller Road in Milton Township and was delivered by Dr. Miller. Five hours later, Dr. Miller, who was no relation, crossed over the Torch River Bridge and delivered Leda Lydia Barber who 21 years later would become Jack's wife.
Jack attended Elk Rapids High School and was member of their championship baseball team. He loved playing baseball and at one time considered going pro.
Jack married Leda on July 4, 1941 in Reno, Nevada. They were married for only 4 short months and living in San Francisco, when Jack shipped out as a member of the United States Air Force, to serve in the Philippines. He was taken captive by the Japanese and held as a P.O.W. for 4 years after surviving the Bataan Death March.
After returning home, Jack continued to serve his country as a member of the Air Force for the next 20 years. He and Leda traveled all over, including England where one of their 3 children was born. While living in England and still serving in the military, Jack attended Oxford University for 2 years. After retiring from the Air Force he entered into Civil Service for the Air Force and resided in Rantoul, IL. Jack was one of the founders of the Air Force Museum at Chanute Air Force Base. He also was the former Head of the Military the Retirees at the base.
Jack and Leda loved square dancing and were members of the Circle R Square Dance Club in Rantoul. Jack was famous for the late night pancakes he served after a fun night of square dancing. He loved road trips and camping with his family. By the time his children were 18 years old, the family had camped and traveled throughout most of the United States. They always camped in a very small trailer and slept in the station wagon. Jack's famous saying on those campouts was to say at dawn, "It's daylight in the swamp. Time to get up!". Jack also enjoyed hunting and fishing and was known to spit on the worm for luck in catching a fish. He was great at card games, especially pinochle and cribbage. Jack was member of the Kalkaska United Methodist Church.
A book, Lifelines, was written about Jack and Leda's dedication to each other during World War II while distance and circumstance kept them apart. Lifelines was performed as a stage play by several high schools, including his alma mater, Elk Rapids High School. It was also performed by the Old Town Playhouse in Traverse City.
Jack led a wonderful and full life dedicated to his family, community, and country. He will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved him.
Jack is survived by his devoted wife of 70 years, Leda; his loving children, Jean (Van) Fossler of Atlanta, GA, Judy (Pastor Howard) Seaver of Rapid City, and Gary (Marilyn) Miller of Cary, IL; his cherished grandchildren, Amber Steo, Kelly Leusch, Craig Seaver, Chad Seaver, Nathan Miller, Emily Erbach, Margaret Miller, and Andrew Miller; 7 precious great-grandchildren; his dear siblings, Lillian (Bruce) McLachen of Kewadin and Dick Miller of Elk Rapids; and his many nieces and nephews.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents; his sister Virginia Derman and her husband Bill; and his sister-in-law, Bertha Miller.
Visitation for Jack took place on Fri, Mar 30 from 3 until 5 pm and 6 to 8pm at Wolfe-O'Neill Funeral Home. Funeral Services were held on Sat at 11am at the Alden United Methodist Church with Pastor Howard Seaver officiating. Burial took place in Clearwater Township Cemetery.
