Dr. James Grant Miller, Jr.

Retired Colonel Doctor James Grant Miller, Jr. “Jim”, age 77, of Garden Ridge, Texas went to be reunited with his mother, father and wife on April 22, 2026.

Dr. Miller was born on May 7, 1948, in East Orange, New Jersey, to James Grant Miller, Sr. and Constance Estelle Fields Miller. He was the eldest of five children.

He graduated from Xenia High School, where he earned numerous athletic honors and was later inducted into the Xenia Athletics Hall of Fame, Class of 2023. His high school accomplishments included Top Rebounder (1965), Most Improved Player (1965), member of the 1965 Championship Team, First Team All WOL Honors (1966), All-State Honorable Mention (1966), fifth leading scorer in Greene County (1966), and member of the 1966 Championship Team, where he was also named MVP.

He earned a basketball scholarship to the University of Toledo, where his team became Mid-American Conference champions. While at the University of Toledo, Jim was a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated, initiated into the Beta Xi Chapter in 1968.

Off the court, he received the Gold Star ROTC Award and achieved academic honors that helped fulfill his dream of becoming a medical doctor. He went on to further his education at The Ohio State University College of Medicine.

After medical school, Jim served in the United States Army for 27 years. His decorated military career included the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and Overseas Service Ribbon. Dr. Miller retired in 2004 with the rank of Colonel.

During his military career, Dr. Miller served as a pediatrician at Brooke Army Medical Center, Ramstein Air Base, and Darnell Army Community Hospital. In 1992, he changed specialties and became Chief of Radiology at Darnell Army Community Hospital, a position he held until his retirement.

While many knew of his love for cars and basketball, few may have known of his passion for racquetball in the 1980s. Fewer even know the origin of his nickname “Soapy.” Those who visited his home also saw his green thumb, as gardening became one of his greatest joys.

Dr. Miller served the Garden Ridge community throughout his 22 years of residency. He worked alongside the City Council, regularly attending meetings to better serve his community. He also served on the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Parks Committee, and supported community events such as the Fourth of July celebration and Christmas tree lighting.

In addition, he worked with the Master Gardeners of Comal County and contributed his time and efforts to the Friends of Garden Ridge Library. Having grown up during the Civil Rights

Movement, Jim recognized the importance of civic engagement and dedicated his time as a poll worker each election season. He also served on the inaugural New Braunfels Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration and March, continuing his involvement with the committee for many years.

Jim is survived by his children, Cheryse Nicole Miller of Killeen, Texas; Cheryl Lynn Miller (Isaac Lynch) of Leander, Texas; and Dale Louder and Angel Louder, both of San Antonio, Texas. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Carringten Corrine Powell of Leander, Texas; Deangelique Zhane’ Louder and Sanya Amani Louder, both of Colorado; and Addison Paige Louder-King, Devin James Harper, and Chrystyan Terrell Louder, all of San Antonio, Texas.

He is also survived by his siblings, Steve Miller of Xenia, Ohio; Karen Lee (Billy Lee) of Atlanta, Georgia; Karl Miller of Columbus, Ohio; and Donald Miller (Martha Miller) of Louisville, Kentucky. He is further survived by his former wife, Helen Miller of Killeen, Texas.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Linda Gail Miller; his father, James Grant Miller, Sr.; and his mother, Constance Estelle Miller.

He was a devoted father, brother, uncle, friend, and a host of many things. He truly cared for his family and community.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the doctors and nurses at Brooke Army Medical Center and PAM Rehabilitation Center for their compassionate care. Special thanks are also given to his caregiver, Richard Thornton, whose dedication and tireless support provided comfort and care while he was at home

A Visitation will be held from 5:00PM - 8:00PM on Wednesday, May 06, 2026 at Schertz Funeral Home. The Funeral Service will begin at 11:00AM on Thursday, May 07, 2026 at Schertz Funeral Home with interment to follow Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.