Jackie Lee Miller, age 92 years, of Craig, Missouri, passed away Friday, August 30, 2024, at Tiffany Heights Nursing Home.
Jackie was born November 8, 1931 on a farm near Craig to Dale O. Miller and Margurite (Woolgar) Miller. He attended school at Lonesome Road School and then Bellevue Community School north of Mound City.
Jackie was known for his twinkling blue eyes and sense of humor. He was voted the "life of the party" by his high school class. He could always be counted on for something fun, which continued throughout his life. After high school Jackie farmed and raised cattle with his dad. They joined the American Angus Association in 1950.
In 1950, Jackie joined the U.S. Air Force. He served until 1953, initially stationed in South Carolina. At one point he and several other young service men were given three days leave and they took turns driving through the night to come home to Missouri and visit their friends and family. He was stationed in Bordeaux, France, during the Korean War. Jackie was a member of the Laon Air Police on the base. His military service took him to Germany, Italy and Spain. On base Jackie was frugal with his funds and would lend money to fellow service members, eventually setting up a small table to make small loans, collecting at pay day (and making some money through fees, of course). Jackie made many life long friends during his service. Jackie was a member of the 126th Bombardment Wing and upon his return to the United States was active in the Wing’s reunions. Jackie and his wife enjoyed attending Air Force events throughout their lives.
While Jackie served, his dad took care of the herd and added cattle. Upon returning home, he married his sweetheart Eva Mae Smith. They had one son, Kenny Miller. They made their home on Jackie’s grandfather’s farm. Jackie and Eva Mae enjoyed farm life and traveling. They took many vacations throughout their marriage. Two of their favorite places were Branson and the Amana Colonies. They visited many ranches with Roger and Barbara Smith.
Jackie and Wayne Heck used to drag race cars down the mountainous Craig Hill, to the dismay of their wives. Jackie taught his grandsons to drive. For this reason, Jackie’s grandsons still speed to this day. Jackie was a dedicated collector of antique tools and wrenches. He was long-time member of an antique wrench club. He also loved antique tractors and restored his father’s 1938 F-20 Farmall.
Pastor Scott Jordan baptized Jackie at the nursing home on July 15, 2018, and it was one of his proudest moments.
Jackie was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife of 70 years, Eva Mae, and his great-grandson Clint Wilmes.
Survivors include his son, Kenny and his wife Mary; his grandsons, Keith and his wife Jennifer, and Kurt and his wife Tammy; great grandchildren Kailey, Ty, Levi, Leah Mae and Lily Miller; in-laws Roger and Barbara Smith of Nebraska City, and Franklin and Janice Smith of Lincoln; numerous nieces and nephews; step grandchildren Olivia (Chad) Gosh, April Kirkendall, and Safairra (Brent) Slaby; and step great grandchildren Camille, Avery, and Aries.