James L. Miller, 91, of Sperry, died Monday, August 25, 2025, at Bickford Cottages in Burlington. Born on Dec. 10, 1933, in Sperry, he was the son of John A. and Mildred P. Keener Miller. On July 15, 1954, in Kahoka, Mo., he married Marilyn E. Gieselman. She preceded him in death on Nov. 18, 2022.
Jim was a 1952 graduate of Sperry High School. On June 4, 1953, he enlisted in the United States Army. Jim farmed his entire life. In his free time enjoyed wood working, gardening with his late wife Marilyn, going on tractor drives and being with his family. Jim spent a lot of time at Old Stone Cemetery fixing monuments and helping with the grounds. He loved nothing more than farming and being in his shop.
He is survived by two children: Robert (Traci) Miller of Winfield, Iowa, and Penny (Rick) Dopler of Sperry, Iowa; four grandchildren: Taren (Trent) Samuels, Kiley (Jacob) Leichty, Shayla (Josh) Schilling and Landon Dopler; twelve great grandchildren: Tayson, Treyor, Taelyn and Ty Samuels, Liam, Sutton, Vail and Indie Leichty, Addison and Breckyn Schilling, Hayden and Greyson Dopler and one brother Jerry (Jane) Miller. Also surviving are several nieces.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Marilyn, son Dennis, sister Arline and sister in-law Gloria.
The funeral service for Jim will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, at Lunning Chapel with Tom Sands officiating. A one-hour visitation will be held prior to the service at 10 a.m. where the family will meet with friends. Interment will be held in Old Stone Cemetery.
A memorial has been established in his memory for Old Stone Cemetery or Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center Hospice.