James B. Miller, DDS, passed away on May 4, 2023 at Carle Richland Memorial Hospital. Dr. Miller was born in Olney on May 31, 1931, the son of Willis Dale and Helen Regina (Weber) Miller. He graduated from St. Joseph School in 1945, and from East Richland High School in 1949. He was voted “best looking man” of the Class of ’49.

He proudly worked as a roughneck in southern Illinois oilfields until joining the United States Marine Corps in 1950. After service in Korea, in the first Marine Division, he left the USMC in 1953. Shortly afterwards, he began pre-dental studies at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale. After graduating from SIU, he attended the University of Illinois College of Dentistry in Chicago. He received his DDS degree in 1961 and returned to Olney to establish his dental practice. He was President of the Wabash Valley Dental Society in the early 1970s, and he continued his practice in Olney until 2004. Known affectionately by his friends and family as “Doc,” he was unfailingly kind and fair-minded, even in difficult times. Animals loved him, and plants and flowers bloomed for him.

Dr. Miller served a term on the Richland County Board; he was an active member of the BPO Elks Lodge #926, the Petroleum Club of Olney, the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Knights of Columbus.

Dr. Miller is survived by his beloved companion, Darca Hatten. He also is survived by four loving children: James B. Miller, Jr. (Mary), of Palo Alto, California, Patrick A. Miller (Tami), of Fort Collins, Colorado, Sara L. Miller Acosta (Leo Acosta), of Chicago, and Matthew J. Miller (Gail), of Los Gatos, California. In addition, he is survived by four grandsons (Sam Miller, James B. Miller III, John Miller, and Aidan Acosta), two granddaughters (Mary Miller Eberhardt and Adela Acosta), and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was predeceased by his parents, brothers Willis (Wid) Miller, Jr. and Gilbert Miller, and sister Helen (Taddy) Swinson.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the Nurses, CNAs, health care aides and Doctors at Weber Medical Clinic and Carle Richland Memorial Hospital who provided compassionate care during these past months.

Family and friends are invited to gather for a Memorial Service to celebrate the life of Dr. Miller on Wednesday, May 31, 2023 which would have been his 92nd birthday, at 11:00 AM at Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home in Olney, with a visitation beginning one hour before service time at the funeral home.

Interment will follow the services at St. Joseph Cemetery in Olney, with Full Military Rites at the graveside.

This is what the Lord asks of you:

To act justly

To love mercy

And to walk humbly with your God.

Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home, Olney, IL