James E. Miller

October 14, 1939 - October 9, 2018

Graveside Memorial Service for long time Las Animas resident James (Jim) Eldon Miller will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 19, 2018, at Bent/Las Animas Cemetery in Las Animas. Pastor Diane Hutson will be officiating. 

James Eldon Miller, better known as Jim, was born October 14, 1939, in Las Animas to Glenn Elden and Viola May (Wright) Miller. Jim grew up “on the farm,” located just south of Las Animas. 

Jim was a graduate of Las Animas High School class of 1958. While in school he enjoyed his time as a member of the wrestling team and also enjoyed his experience showing his Grand Champion sheep at the Colorado State Fair.

At the age of 18 Jim married April Ellen Gookin, his church Pastor’s eldest daughter. They were married in Las Animas July 6,1958. During their short marriage they were blessed with three children, Michael Clinton (Millie Reigel), Deverly Dawn (Tony Johnson) and Rex Eugene (Rhonda Malone). While married to April, Jim worked at the State Hospital in Pueblo.  He later met his lifelong companion, Betty Fulton in 1975 at the Alpine Inn Dance Hall. Jim and Betty took part in Arthur-Murray dance classes for 13 years. Jim spent 32 years with Betty, or “Bets” as he often called her, until her passing in August 2007. 

Jim became a circuit rider in 1988 for the State Water Association where he worked a number of his working years. 

Jim could often be seen at the local auctions. He was a usual among the crowds looking for anything of “value.” It was but a few auctions where he went home without something! Jim had a great love for “well built” horses and he truly had an eye for picking them! Along with his love of horses, Jim loved Labrador Retrievers. He bred and raised Labrador Retrievers for years and his dogs were known for having great hunting genes. When going to visit Jim at his house, it was normal to walk in when the tv channel was on the Western Channel and even more specifically Gun Smoke would be playing. He loved watching Gun Smoke up until he was called home. Jim enjoyed good music and guitarist Chet Atkins was among his most favorite. He never tired of listening to Chet “pick” his guitar. 

Jim passed away in Colorado Springs October 9, 2018, at the age of 78. Jim is survived by his sons, Michael (Millie) Miller, Rush Valley, Utah; Rex (Rhonda) Miller, Wiley; daughter Deverly (Tony) Johnson, Grand Junction; stepdaughter Debbie (Don) Fraiser, Boulder; sisters, Patricia King, La Junta, Joan (Ron) Teeters, Leavenworth, Kansas, Juanita Conover, Penrose; sister-in-law, Mary Miller, Thornton; grandchildren, Heather (Blaine) Shivers, Tribune, Kansas, Blake Miller, Wiley, Troy (Adilene) Miller, Wiley, Kimberly (Troy) Donahue, Rush Valley, Utah, Amanda (Shane) Southerland, Naples, Florida, Adam (Heather) Miller, Magna, Utah, Cherish (David) Lunsford, Merritt Island, Florida, Sarah (Nate) Pinson, Clifton, Jake (Mandy) Reigel, Grand Junction; 14 great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, family and a host of friends including Joyce Barks, Jim’s friend of the past 4 years.

He was preceded in death by his life companion and wife, Betty Fulton; his parents Glenn and Viola Miller; infant baby sister, Una Jane Miller; brother, Roger Miller; and brothers-in-law, Cecil King and Alan Conover.

Jim will be cremated and his remains buried at Las Animas Cemetery next to Betty.

Memorial contributions may be made the Nazarene Church in care of Horber Funeral Chapel, P.O. Box 431, Las Animas, CO 81054.