James Lawrence Miller

Dr. James Lawrence (Larry) Miller, 88, died peacefully at home with his children at his side on June 7, 2023.

Born in Chicago to the late Emma W. Miller and Lewis H. Miller in 1935, he moved to Charleston, Illinois in 1949, and met his beloved wife Joann in 1956 at Eastern Illinois University whom he married in 1958. Dr Miller earned his PhD in Chemistry from University of Iowa in 1962, after which he and Joann moved to their forever home of Johnson City. He and Joann happily raised three children, instilling in them a love of life-long learning and curiosity of the world.

Dr. Miller was a dedicated professor of organic chemistry for over 30 years at East Tennessee State University before retiring in 1992. When not visiting family and grandchildren, he traveled the world with Joann and rarely missed an opportunity to enjoy Colorado fishing and hiking with friends and family. He was a devoted member of First Presbyterian church, and his unwavering faith in God was central to his life.

Although an academic who enjoyed countless hours reading history and listening to his beloved opera music, his heart was in the outdoors. He was an avid hiker, hunter, and fisherman who never tired of the Appalachian Mountain view of his country home or spending a few hours on the river fly fishing.

More than the sum of his biography, Larry’s real legacy is in living by example in demonstrating qualities that continue to inspire us: love, joy, faithfulness, forgiveness, and kindness. He was slow to anger and quick to laugh, and he met the increasing life challenges with infinite patience and a keen sense of humor.

Perhaps most central to all who knew him was his tireless devotion and love to his wife, Joann. They were blessed to spend their last happy years together in their home and never ceased to make others smile by the sight of them sitting on the couch, holding hands and laughing every day. Their dedication and love to one another seemed to grow exponentially over the years. Joann died on January 31, 2023, and Larry grieved her absence every day. Divine timing reunited Larry with Joann on June 7: the date of their 65th wedding anniversary.

He is survived by his children, Kirsten Miller Burkart (Patrick) of Durham, North Carolina; Rebecca Miller Duran of Suwanee, Georgia; and Michael Miller (Martha) of Arlington, Virginia; and seven grandchildren; Alex Duran of Chicago, Illinois; Claire Duran of Chicago, Illinois; Daniel Duran of Miami, Florida; Annabel Duran of Atlanta, Georgia; Cate Duran Ray (Tim) of Columbia, South Carolina; Cecelia Miller and Peter Miller both of Arlington, Virginia; a brother, Leonidas Miller (Mary-Nance) of Charleston, Illinois.

Larry is preceded in death by his wife Joann; two brothers Robert Miller of Fayetteville, NC; and Dr. John Miller of Estes Park, Colorado.

The family extends a special thank you to his wonderful caregivers: Donna Cox, Gwin St John, Mirya Gil-Ayala, Teresa Brigman, and Becky Pond.

Funeral arrangements are by Morris-Baker Funeral Home in Johnson City, Tennessee. A memorial service will be held Saturday June 17, 2023, at 1:00 pm at First Presbyterian Church in Johnson City, Tennessee. The family will receive friends at the church at 12:00 pm. There will be a private family burial following at the service at Philadelphia Presbyterian Church in Limestone, Tennessee.