San Antonio Express-News
Copyright 2006 San Antonio Express-News
All Rights Reserved
 |
James David Miller went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, October 21, 2006. Born December 8, 1928 in Lees Summit, Missouri, Jim was a longtime servant of the United States and his beloved adopted city of San Antonio.
James began his military career in 1946 when he joined the U.S. Army. He served as a medic in the 25th Infantry Division in the Far East, and stayed on active duty until leaving in 1949 with an honorable discharge. He immediately entered the Army Reserves where he received his commission as second lieutenant in 1955. Jim achieved the rank of Colonel in 1973, and was Inspector General for the 90th U.S. Army Reserve Command until his retirement from the Reserves in 1976, during which time he received, among many commendations and decorations, the Legion of Merit. While in the Army Reserves, Jim joined the San Antonio Fire Department on September 11, 1951.
Jim’s incredible devotion to the City of San Antonio and her citizens led to the creation of the San Antonio Emergency Medical Services program. During his Fire Department career, Jim also served as Instructor to Texas A & M University for Fire College, offered to Firefighter/Fire Departments throughout the U.S. and many foreign countries, with his specialty being petroleum and LP gas fires.
Jim served in nearly every role possible for the San Antonio Fire Department, ultimately rising to the rank of Deputy Chief on February 3, 1983. Upon his retirement from the Fire Department on September 26, 1992, Jim and his wife, Jeane, lived life to the fullest.
The couple tried moving away one time after Jim’s retirement, but soon found their way back to San Antonio. Not content to sit back and relax, even while working as a firefighter or during retirement, Jim volunteered his time and talents to many groups and organizations such as; the Advisory Committee (Public Administration) Our Lady of the Lake University; Advisor to the President Greater San Antonio Safety Council; Alamo Area Council of Government (AACOG); American Legion; Association of the United States Army; Board of Trustees Humana Metropolitan Hospital; EMS/EMT Task Force (AACOG); EMS Advisor Member Texas Municipal League; Hazardous Material Task Force (AACOG); International Association of Fire Chiefs; National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians; National Fire Information Council; National Fire Protection Association; National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians; Reserve Officers Association; Sons of Hermann Lodge; plus he served many times as guest speaker/lecturer on Fire, EMS and Hazardous Materials Activities.
Preceded in death by his father, Robert; mother, Mary; and sister Beverly Marcus, Jim is survived by wife, Jeane, of the home; son James Miller, Jr.; stepdaughter, Patti Stobaugh, and her husband, David, of Conway, Arkansas; stepson, Scott Kuburich of Springdale, Arkansas; and stepson Ted Kuburich and his wife, Janice, of Springdale, Arkansas, and brother Frank Blosser, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Jim’s family will gather for a public viewing at Porter-Loring Mortuary at 1101 McCullough on Wednesday, October 25th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. FUNERAL SERVICE THURSDAY OCTOBER 26, 2006 12:30 P.M. TRINITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 6800 WURZBACH Edward Sebera, Joseph Candelario, Scott Kuburich, Ted Kuburich, Alex Cooke, and Evan Kuburich will serve as pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to the San Antonio Firefighters Benevolent fund at Firestation #5, 1101 Mason Street, San Antonio, 78208. Interment in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. You are invited to sign the guestbook at Arrangements with Porter Loring Mortuary.