James William Miller

James “Jim” William Miller, of Cumberland, MD, passed away at the home of his daughter, Dawn and son-in-law, Mike, with his family by his side, from complications of COPD under the care of hospice, on August 1, 2022.

Born November 1, 1943, in Cumberland, MD, he was preceded in death by his parents, Harold “Smoke” Miller and Reba (MacIntosh) Miller. He was also preceded in death by his grandparents, Henry and Elizabeth MacIntosh, and Andy and Daisy Miller.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Josephine “Jo” Miller. Jo and their daughter Dawn were his caregivers for over 10 years and Michael, Denver, and Olivia for the past six weeks.

Surviving are daughters, Dawn E. Glotfelty (husband Michael) McHenry, MD, and Jenifer DePaolo (husband Al) Chambersburg, PA; grandchildren, Jessica L. Ricker (husband Tommy) Yorkville, IL, Joshua A Barnard Cicero, IL, Denver S. Glotfelty McHenry, MD, and Olivia M. Glotfelty (his card playing buddy) McHenry, MD; great-grandchildren, Audrey Kimble, Tommy Ricker IV, and Marilyn Ricker, Yorkville, IL Jim is also survived by his brother, Thomas Miller (Joy) Grove City, OH; sister, Janet Ingram, Cumberland, MD; and ex son-in-law, Robert “Bob” Barnard (wife Sara) Wellersburg, PA; nephews, Michael Miller, OH, Bryan Payton, Cumberland, William (wife Colette) Payton NC, Blair (wife Stacey), Payton Aberdeen, Brett Payton Frostburg, MD; and his furry buddy, Barney.

The most important things in Jim’s life were his family, friends and country. Jim was a wonderful husband, daddy, and pappy to all his children. But of course, the girls had him wrapped around their fingers. He loved giving them little gold boxes at Christmas. What love he had for his family and best friends of over 50 years, Bob and Peg Gillum, and the greatest neighbors, Charlie and Dottie Twigg.

Upon graduation from Allegany High School, Jim served for 4 years in the U.S. Navy aboard the U.S.S. Taylor stationed out of Hawaii and traveled throughout the Orient. He served during the Cuban Missile Crisis, Vietnam War and Desert Storm. After active-duty, Jim joined the U.S. Naval Reserves Seabees NMCB-23, retiring after 20 years of service.

Jim worked for the Celanese plant after returning home from the military, and then the Maryland State Highway Department located at the Western Regional lab in Hancock, MD for over 38 years.

He attended Calvary United Methodist Church in Ridgeley, WV. He loved hunting with his buddy, Bob Gillum, and traveling the trails on their dirt bikes with Charlie Twigg. Memories he always treasured, especially when Charlie had to bring him home pulling him with a rope and climbing Haystack Mountain waist deep in snow with Bob. He loved going to Camp Belle with the late Larry McClosky, his son Brian, Brian’s sons, and Bob Gillum. The many laughs and good times he had with them and the other guys at the camp. But his greatest pleasure was being able to ride his motorcycle with his dad. Jim’s last ride was on his Harley.

We are sure he and his dad are riding through the clouds today with that beautiful smile on his face being able to breathe the fresh air. Ride free Dad.

Special thanks to his Seabee family (Table 13): David and Linda Curry, Emory and Nancy Davis, Doc and Susie Hedrick, Steve and Sharon Kemp, Tom Ramsey, and the late Betty, Fred and Sharon Squires. A close bond was formed when the guys were deployed to Desert Storm and has lasted over 31 years.

Thanks to Dr. Terry Williams, Linda and staff who always made Jim feel like family, and Nancy at Dr. Dey’s office. Also, Steve’s Pharmacy, Jeff, Brenda and his red head Traci. Special thanks to his hospice ladies of Allegany Hospice – Theresa, Kris, Corine, Kerri, Anita, and Brittany; and Garrett Hospice – Lori, Stephanie, Grace, Kelsey, and Cheryl. And to Rich and Charlie Twigg (his John Deere guys) who always made Jim’s yard look like it did when Jim could care for it himself; and John Quinn who always made sure his driveway was cleared of snow and gave him deer bologna and a sweet treat at Christmas. There are no words to thank you.

The family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516.

Family and friends will be received at the Scarpelli Funeral Home, P.A., 15205 McMullen Hwy SW, Cresaptown, on Thursday, August 4, 2022, from 4 to 7 p.m.

Funeral services will be conducted at the funeral home on Friday, August 5, 2022, at 11 a.m. with Rev. Richard Jewell officiating. Family and friends will be received one hour prior to the service.

Pallbearers will be David Curry, Emory Davis, Doc Hedrick, Tom Ramsey, Fred Squires, Denver Glotfelty, and honorary pallbearer, Young Tommy Ricker.

Interment will be in Restlawn Memorial Gardens. Military Honors will be accorded by the Fort Cumberland Post 13 Honor Guard.