James A. Miller

James A. Miller (92) of Valrico, FL., formerly of Grove City, MN passed away at his son's home in Watkins, MN, Friday, August 15, 2014. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday August 21, 2014 at the Atwater Community Center in Atwater, MN. Visitation will be held from 5:00 - 8:00 PM on Wednesday at the Johnson-Hagglund Funeral Home in Litchfield, MN. Interment will be held in Burr Oak Cemetery. Military Honors will be provided by the Litchfield Military Honor Guard. He was born July 6, 1922 to Olive and J.W. (Billy) Miller in Collinwood Township, Meeker County, MN. He attended school and graduated from Dassel High School. He served his country in the US Army in WWII in the European Theatre. Entering combat at Omaha Beach on D-Day, he saw action in France and Belgium, as well as Germany and was in the Battle of the Bulge and the liberation of Buchenwald concentration camp. He was discharged in October 1945. James married Blanche E. Dake on December 15, 1945. To this union were born three children: Steven W., Duane E., and Sharon E. After leaving the service, James farmed north of Grove City for several years. He then rented out the farm and worked in the agricultural fertilizer and chemical business. Later he started hog/crop farming again, built, and operated a fertilizer plant with his family in Watkins, MN. After retirement in 1985, James & Blanche built a home on Rice Lake near Eden Valley, spending winters in Florida. He enjoyed traveling, fishing, hunting, and playing games with his family and friends. James professed to serve God when he was in his teenage years and lived his life in dedicated service to the Lord. He was a faithful example to his church, family, business associates, and all others he interacted with. James is survived by his children: Steven (and Kathy) Miller of Coral Springs, FL, Duane Miller of Watkins, MN, Shari (and Wes) Sykes of Highlands Ranch, CO, 12 grandchildren, and 24 great grandchildren. He is also survived by one brother, Thomas of Madera, CA, many nieces, nephews, & a host of friends. James was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, 4 brothers (John, Robert, Richard, and Warren), 2 sisters (Lenore and Phoebe), 1 daughter-in-law (Marian), and 1 grandson (John William). Previous Events Visitation Wednesday, August 20, 2014 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM Johnson-Hagglund Funeral Home 316 Sibley Avenue South Litchfield, MN 55355 Visitation Thursday, August 21, 2014 2:00 PM Atwater Community Center 107 2nd Street North Atwater, MN