Clayton James “Jim” Miller, Jr., age 71, of Atchison, Kansas, passed away on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph, Missouri.
Jim was born on June 4, 1954, to Clayton and Lucile (Townsend) Miller, Sr. He dedicated 40 years of service to MGP working as an operator, shift supervisor, quality control manager, eventually winding down his career in the laboratory. As a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Jim served as an Elder, Usher, participated in the Stewardship Finance Committee, and was involved with the Kennedy Callers.
Jim enjoyed caring for and raising hamsters and rabbits. He also had a passion for building and flying remote-controlled planes. In addition, Jim enjoyed working on home improvement projects, focusing on remodeling and repairing houses. His love of the outdoors was evident in his enjoyment of hunting and fishing. He was also an avid woodworker, spending countless hours crafting and creating with his hands.
On September 19, 1974, Jim married Linda Bryan. She survives him at their home in Atchison, KS. Jim is also survived by his two sons: Michael and his wife Marian Kidder of San Leandro, CA, and Roger “J.R.” and his wife Phonsamay Henderson of Topeka, KS, a brother, Robert Miller and his wife Pat of Atchison, KS, as well as two sisters, Kathryn Conner and her husband Luke of Salts Spring, FL, and Sue Rush of Highland, KS. Jim is also lovingly remembered by his two grandchildren, Zoey and Jonathan Henderson, and his stepmother, Jessie Miller of Atchison, KS. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clayton and Lucile Miller, Sr., and his brother, David Miller and brother-in-law Leonard Rush.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, February 27, 2026, at Trinity Lutheran Church. Rev. Jacob Dandy will officiate the ceremony. Interment will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the church. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Trinity Lutheran Church Scholarship Fund or to the Memorial Hall Trustees and may be sent in care of Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home.
