Obituary of James A Miller

James A. Miller, 73, of Washington, NJ died August 25, 2016, at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Muhlenberg Campus. Jim is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Barbara (nee Deacon) Miller, and two sons Timothy of Hackettstown, NJ and David of Glendale, CA. He was predeceased by his parents, John R. Miller, Sr. and Gertrude C. Miller, and his brother, John (Jack) R. Miller, Jr. In his early years, his parents realized he could sing and made sure he had the proper vocal training. He won several talent shows and performed on television with Paul Whiteman and Dennis James. He was a 1960 graduate of Stranahan High School in Ft. Lauderdale, FL where he obtained superior baritone soloist ratings in Florida State competitions. Jim pursued his love of theatre and music throughout his life by attending musicals with his wife and friends and participated in many theatre groups, more recently the Country Gate Players in Belvidere, NJ. He was a very active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Washington serving as a choir member/soloist, elder, and deacon. Jim began his banking career as a mail runner for Dover Trust Company ultimately becoming Vice President of Summit Federal Savings in Washington, NJ. He served as President of the Warren County Bankers Association, earning his degree of distinction from the Institute of Financial Education, where he also served as a board member and instructor. He was currently on the advisory board of Investors Bank. Retiring in 2007, Jim stayed active as treasurer of the Boards of Education of Franklin, Washington, and Oxford townships; Warren County Special Services School District; and Warren Hills School District. He served six years in the New Jersey National Guard. Jim was involved in the Cub and Boy Scouts serving as Cub Master and treasurer for which he received the Silver Beaver award. He was a member of the Denville Lions Club, the Dunellen Rotary Club, and Executive Director of the Mt. Olive Chamber of Commerce. He was a 40+ year member of the Kiwanis Club of Washington serving in every office of the club as well as Lt. Governor for the New Jersey Kiwanis District. He was on the board of the Karen Nash Memorial Butterfly Garden. In 2006, he was honored as a member of the Hackettstown Area Senior Hall of Fame. In his spare time, he enjoyed golf, bowling, and fishing with family and friends. A memorial service celebrating Jim's life will be held Saturday, September 10, 2016, 11 a.m., at the First Presbyterian Church of Washington. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 40 East Church Street, Washington, NJ 07882. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Warren Hills Memorial Home, 234 W. Washington Ave., Washington, NJ 07882. To send an on-line condolence please visit www.warrenhillsmemorialhome.com.