James "Jimmy" Keith Miller

James Keith “Jimmy” Miller, 60, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Methodist Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa.

Jimmy was born May 25, 1965, in Oak Park, Illinois, to John and Barbara (Schmidt) Miller. He grew up in Spring Grove, Illinois and graduated from Richmond Burton High School in Richmond Illinois where he was Co-Captain and All Stater of the Football team, Class President, Prom King, and a favorite amongst classmates and teachers – many of whom he remained close friends with throughout his life. He went on to Southern Illinois University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. Few people loved life more than Jimmy. He enjoyed outdoor grilling (where he was an outstanding grill master), motorcycle racing, Formula 1 and NASCAR, fishing, boating, hunting, snowmobiling, gardening, woodworking, and virtually anything that allowed him to spend time working in his garage. He was also a lifelong Chicago Bears and Chicago White Sox fan. But most of all, he loved his family and friends and spending time with them. To know Jimmy was to call him a friend. He was truly one of a kind and loved by all.

Jimmy was an amazing husband to the love of his life, Karen, whom he was married to for 20 beautiful years. He was her biggest supporter and was incredibly proud of the interior design business they built together. Jimmy loved to laugh and will be eternally remembered with a smile on his face. While he may not have been the best joke teller, he was the best audience. With his booming voice and contagious laugh, he was often the one who started the fun. Everyone who knew him would just say “He’s the best!”.

His second love was his Golden Retrievers. From walks and boating to car rides, he adored his furry companions and was a phenomenal dog dad.

Nothing gave Jimmy more joy than helping others. He was the guy with the tool, the one who would lend a hand, the neighbor who would plow your driveway simply out of the goodness of his heart. He was a regular blood donor, volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, and lived as a true servant leader. Even in death, he was able to help several people through his gift of organ donation.

Jimmy held several patents and developed many lasting friendships with coworkers during his career at Motorola and later at John Deere and was very proud of the work that he did. He loved God and his country and believed deeply in honoring those who protect and sacrifice for the rest of us.

His family loved him deeply and he was a presence that will never be forgotten. Jimmy is survived by his best friend and devoted partner in life – his wife, Karen Miller; his brother, Robert Miller (Kim); and his sister, Lisa VanBosch (Jim). He also leaves behind his two beloved Golden Retrievers – Gunnar and Remy. He was blessed with 16 nieces and nephews and four great-nieces and one great-nephew, along with his wife’s family, who loved and adored him beyond measure.

Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents, Barbara and John Miller, and his brothers, John Miller and William Miller.

A celebration of Jimmy’s life will be held from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Saturday, March 28,2026 at Destination Grille, 2491 East 1st St in Grimes, IA 5011. A second celebration of life will be held in the Chicagoland area at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Wounded Warrior Project, Tunnel to Towers Foundation, or Shriners Children’s.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

Jimmy’s legacy of friendship, service, and love will never be forgotten.

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