James Louis "Jimbo" Miller
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James Louis "Jimbo" Miller passed away unexpectedly on June 16, 2021. Born and raised in Pearland, Texas, he graduated from Jessie H. Jones High School in 1967. He spent the following year studying theology and surfing in Hawaii until drafted to serve in the 36th Infantry Airborne Division in Vietnam. Settling in Austin, Tx he met his wife and sparring partner of 45 years, Ruth Elaine Cook, and raised his children. After working various jobs he chose a career at South Western Bell (now known as AT&T) where he retired after 31 dedicated years and serving as Union Steward for the Communication Workers of America - Local 6206. Retiring to Lone Grove, Tx he continued to stay active in his community, volunteering for the Democratic Party for several local state and federal elections. He was a water tester for the Colorado River Watch Network/LCRA for 13 years, serving devotedly to the health of the river for he believed "what happens to the water, happens to the people". He had a passion for politics, history, Harley Davidsons and Morris Minors, chickens and gardening, black licorice and 8 O'clock coffee, cooking and baking. He made the best pineapple upside down cakes. He had a love for soccer, coaching both his children, adult co-ed and served for several years as referee commissioner for SAYSA. His greatest passion being bluegrass and traditional folk music, Jimbo played many instruments including goat-bones, fiddle, guitar, bass guitar, stand up bass, banjo and his sheer joy of playing with other musicians was inspiring to witness. He is predeceased by his parents Bertha O'Brien Miller and Luther Lloyd Miller, his parents-in-law Mabel Webster Cook and Grover Merrill Cook and his sister-in-law Margaret Merrill "Maggie" Cook Polacheck. He is survived by his wife Ruth Cook Miller, his children Luke Miller and Betty Miller Snell, his brother Lloyd Luther Miller and wife Maxine Miller, devoted nieces Karen Miller, Susan Miller Zapalac and Angela Polacheck, his grandchildren Carson Miller, Jordan Miller and Milo Snell along with many nieces, great-nieces, and great nephews. A private ceremony will be held for immediate family on July 4th at the Board Branch Cemetery, Lone Grove. A Celebration of Life on October 10, 2021 will be held at the Lone Grove Schoolhouse from 2-dusk with BBQ, iced tea, live music and many great memories to be made and shared. His friends have requested (but not required) overalls as memorial attire for if you knew Jimbo you knew him to be in his pin-stripped overalls, bright red shoes & straw sombrero hat, his "going out suit". Memorial contributions can be made in his honor for those who wish to donate to the Lone Grove Schoolhouse/Community Club Inc. c/o Sandra Overstreet 2619 CR 202 Llano, Tx 78643 or to the Llano Library System 102 E Haynie St. Llano, Tx 78643.