James E. Miller

James E. Miller, 91, of Grundy Center, Iowa, passed away on Friday April 8th, 2022, at Arlington Place surrounded by his loving family. Memorial Visitation will be held on Friday, April 15, 2022, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Abels Funeral and Cremation Service, Engelkes Chapel in Grundy Center. A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 16, 2022, at Bethany Presbyterian Church in Grundy Center. Inurnment will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the family. 

Jim was born on September 9,1930, in Morrison, Iowa, the son of Friend and Arlene (Reynolds) Miller. He graduated from Reinbeck High School in 1948. Shortly after high school he married the love of his life, Colleen Schmidt. They were united in marriage in 1949 at the Salem Church in Lincoln, Iowa. Jim farmed and raised livestock for many years and retired in 1988.

He was a member of the Bethany Presbyterian Church, National Paint and Quarter Horse Association and Grundy County Cowboys. Jim was a former member of the Grundy County Fair Board, Grundy Jaycees, Town and Country Golf Course and was a 4-H leader. Jim’s passions included ponies, horses and his Black Angus cows. Later in Jim’s life, Blue Max was born at Miller’s Circle M. Max was known throughout the United States as the top black and white stallion. This was the beginning of raising and showing quality Registered Paint and Quarter Horses, where many lifelong friendships were made. One of his most treasured pastimes was spending time with family and watching their activities and he continued to be their “coach” long after.

Above all, he will be remembered for the 72 years shared with his soulmate and the love of their three children. Jim will live forever in the hearts of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren as “Papa Horses.” He inspired and touched many lives in his lifetime.

Jim is survived by his wife, Colleen; daughter, Wendy of Grundy Center; son, Scott (Jammie), of Beaufort, S.C.; daughter, Jann of Cedar Falls;14 grandchildren: Jessica, Jeremy, Scott, Somer, Jami, Mike, Jim, Danielle, Megan, Brian, Caitlin, Jason, Kameron, Maddy; and 16 great-grandchildren: Drew, Kolby, Kayden, Korie, Emma, Austin, Annalise, Gage, Avery, Payton, Olivia, Ashlyn, Jack, Hank, Ryker, Charleigh. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Donna; brother Paul; son-in-law Roger; and grandson Tyler.