Obituary: Rev. James “Jimmy” Herbert Miller Jr.
Rev. James “Jimmy” Herbert Miller Jr., 98, went home to be with his Lord on July 1st, 2026. He was a United Methodist minister for over 40 years, serving in the NC Conference, where he was currently the oldest living member.
A memorial service will be conducted Friday, July 10, at 11am at Westminster United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends at a reception following the service in the fellowship hall. The family will gather for the burial prior to the service.
Jimmy, son of the late Elsie McGlaughon and Rev. James Miller, Sr, was born in Southport and lived in various places as his father was a United Methodist minister as well. He was a graduate of Duke University and Duke Divinity School and served in nine different appointments across NC.
After retiring in 1989, he and his wife, Susan Waller Miller, moved to her homeplace in Woodington. He was a devoted husband to her until her passing in 2008. He was active in his local church where he sang in the choir and taught Sunday School. He enjoyed listening to all kinds of music and taught himself to play the ukulele and the dulcimer. He was active in many things, including gardening, photography, carving, building furniture, fishing, and reading. He was an active member of AARP, the Master Gardeners, as well as the Lenoir County Historical Association. He enjoyed genealogy and researching the history of the churches he served. He was always willing to try new things. His motto was “Always have something to learn. Always have something to do. And always have something to look forward to.”
In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his two brothers, Dr. D. Edmond Miller and Kenneth M. Miller.
Jimmy is survived by his daughters, Susan Miller Brink and husband, Alex S. Brink of Mebane and Patsy Miller Blackwood and husband, Fred M. Blackwood of Raleigh; grandchildren, Elliott M. Blackwood (Sara), Olivia B. Moore (Jeff), Jackson U. Brink (Abby), Laura B. Ruggiero (Drew), Jennifer B. Rogers (Lance), and Melissa B. Long (Blake); ten great-grandchildren; special friend, Linda Sanderson of Kinston; and sister-in-law, Suzanne J. Miller.
Memorial contributions may be made to Westminster United Methodist Church, PO Box 1007, Kinston, NC 28503 or to Lake Junaluska Assembly, The Office of Development, 759 N. Lakeshore Dr, Lake Junaluska, NC 28745.
Arrangements made by Edwards Funeral Home & Cremations. Online condolences may be made at www.edwardsfhc.com.
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