Jim (Donald James) Miller

Jim (Donald James) Miller, age 66, passed away January 5, 2015. Jim faced the 16 month progression of his cancer with tremendous strength, grace, and dignity. He died at home surrounded by loving family. Lifelong resident of Bay Lake, Minnesota and a proud descendent of an early Bay Lake family. Member of the Crosby-Ironton High School class of 1966. Attended Staples Area Vocational Technical Institute where he trained in machining and tool engineering. During the Vietnam War era, Jim served in the United States Army with "C" Troop 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Bindlach, West Germany. His deployment to Germany led him to be a lifelong student of WW II history. Following service in the Army, Jim worked as a machinist, tool and die maker, and ultimately as a highly skilled mold maker. He married Christine Marie Runquist May 14,1991 in Rapid City, South Dakota. In recent years he continued the Miller Family resort legacy, operating Indian Point Resort through summer 2014. Jim had numerous skills, interests, and passions. He loved downhill skiing and, along with his wife Christine, served on the Ski Patrol at Quadna Mountain and Ski Gull and trained others in this capacity as well. For several years he was the Crew Chief for the Bob V's "Super Comp" drag racing team. Jim was an avid deer hunter and enjoyed both summer and winter fishing. In recent years, he also had great pleasure building his N scale model railroad. Jim was a fountain of knowledge on many topics. His knowledge of Bay Lake and Miller Family history was thorough and accurate. Jim was also known throughout his life as a bit of a prankster. The family has great joy in recalling many of his quick witted escapades.

Jim and Christine treasured life together in the beautiful home they built in a stunning grove of pine trees on Knieff Lake. Their lives were filled with many shared interests and activities. They also enjoyed wonderful road trips to various parts of the US and Canada throughout their 20+ years of marriage.

Survived by and will be deeply missed by his loving wife, Christine Runquist. Also survived by his mother, Muriel (Hammett) Miller of Bay Lake and his siblings; Nancy/Virginia (Paul) Kubic of Minnetonka, Steven (Rosella Wolff) Miller of Wasilla, Alaska, Susan (Robert) Meiches of Minnetonka and nieces and nephews; Emily (Jeremy Karras) and Christopher Kubic, Ben (Bebhinne Hall) and Mollie Meiches, and Lindsey Miller; and one grandniece, Juniper Kubic. Survived also by uncle Bill (Angie) Miller and cousins Marsha Miller and Kay, Meredith, and Liam McDonald.

Preceded in death by father, Albert Miller, Jr.

Memorial Service to be held Saturday, July 18, 2015 at 1:30 PM at the Salem Lutheran Church in Deerwood, Minnesota. Visitation 1 hour prior to the service. Interment at the Bay Lake Cemetery to be followed immediately by a luncheon at Ruttger's Bay Lake Lodge.

Memorials preferred to the Fireworks Fund, Bay Lake Improvement Association, PO Box 461, Deerwood, MN 56444. Arrangements are with the Koop Funeral Home in Crosby.