James Miller

Jim's prayer service can be found below: James “Jim” Carl Miller, 79, Fargo, ND, died June 16th, 2021 in Fargo, ND. Jim was born Sept 6th, 1941 to Rudi and Louise (Trieglaff) Miller. He grew up on the family farm in Mapleton, ND. He attended elementary school in Durbin, ND, and graduated from Oak Grove Lutheran High School in Fargo, ND. He then served with the Minnesota Army National Guard and was honorably discharged in May 1967. At the young age of 18, after his father’s death, he took over the farming operation. Jim always gave credit to his friend and mentor, Clint Merrigan, for helping him out during this trying time. Jim married Kathryn Cook on November 6th, 1965, and the couple had 3 children. He served many years on the Durbin Township Board, and was an original member of the Board of Directors for the Cass Rural Water Users. He held a private pilot’s license and was a member of the North Dakota Flying Farmers. Other memberships were with the El Zagel Shri ne and the Masons. Jim’s hobbies were restoring Doepke construction toys and building a large model train set with the scenery in their basement. He took great pride in the upkeep of his lawn and landscaping. He always needed to be busy. His favorite times were the times he spent with his children and grandchildren. Jim left farming but farming never left him. He was very grateful to Alex Bishop for giving him a tractor to drive and fields to work during his retirement. Jim is survived by his loving wife Kathryn of Fargo; children, Amy Miller and Whitey Hansen, Park Rapids, MN, Lisa and Don LaFleur, Mandan, ND, and Jason and Holly Miller, Maple Grove, MN; grandchildren, Natasha and Robert Borger, Tiffeny Hansen, Macy Miller, Erika Hansen, Jonathan LaFleur, Eric LaFleur, Megan LaFleur, Kayla Miller; great grandson, Rhett; sister, Barbara and David Larson, West Fargo, ND; brothers, Erwin and Kathy Miller, Wausau, WI, David and Sharon Miller, Malta, MT; in-laws, Jim and Beverly Cook, Tacoma, WA, Cherryll and Ken Hoffman, Sioux City, IA, Jerry and Ione Cook, Lowell and Joanne Cook both Fargo, ND, Jim Ness, Moorhead, MN, Dwight and Shirley Cook, Mandan, ND, and Doris and Mark Mancell, Fairmont, MN; numerous nieces and nephews; and friends, Alex Bishop and James Bishop. He was preceded in death by his parents, Kathryn’s parents Bob and Irene Cook; nephews, Troy Cook and Gary Miller; niece, Kimberly Lawrence; sister-in-law, Jan Ness; and his mentor Clint Merrigan. The Family would like to thank Sanford Hospice and the staff at Villa Maria for their great care and compassion.