John L. Miller

John L. “Jack” Miller, 83, a longtime resident of Albuquerque, died peacefully in his sleep August 27, 2017. Jack was born January 3, 1934 in Brighton, Colorado to Marian (Anfang) and Joseph Miller, who preceded him in death.

Jack graduated from Brighton High School, where he played football as right-end for the “Bulldogs.” After graduation, Jack enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Tokyo, where he developed a life-long love for Japanese cooking. Jack moved to Albuquerque in 1962 to work for American Auto Parts. In 1964, he married Marian McCollum, a Texas beauty and single mother of three children. Not only did Jack take a wife, he also took on the role of father and dad to those children and gave them his name.

In 1974, Jack began his insurance career, first at Prudential Insurance in sales and management for 21 years and then at his own firm, Miller Insurance Company. Through their hard work, Jack and Marian made Miller Insurance a tremendous success. Jack, Marian, the children and grandchildren enjoyed many family vacations to their favorite city, San Diego. Jack caught “golfing fever” by watching his hero, Arnold Palmer, play. An avid football fan, Jack never missed his Denver Broncos games.

In addition to his parents, Jack was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 47 years, Marian Miller; his son, Richard Miller; his sisters, Vivian Erlich (Fritz) and Lois Jones (Jack); his brother, James “Jim” Miller; sister-in-law, Diane Bujol, and brothers-in-law, George Bujol, Jim McCollum and Tom McCollum.

He is survived by his son, Stephen R. Miller (Julie); his daughter, Kristi Tinker; grandchildren, Mark Tinker, Michelle Tinker Gill (David), Kelly Miller and Thomas Miller; his sister, Karen Nickels (Roger Rattan), and his brothers-in-law, John McCollum (Carala) and Mike McCollum. Uncle Jack was beloved by his nieces and nephews, Jerry Erlich (Kathy), Rene Bujol, Tara Noonan, Travis McCollum (Melissa), Tiffany Tesinsky (Justin), Bryan McCollum (Whitney), Ellissa Sorenson (Aaron) and Cameron McCollum, as well as 13 great-nieces and great-nephews. Also surviving are his cousin, Ady Kupfer and family, and many cousins in the Brighton area. Jack was a dear friend to many, but was particularly close to his friends Joel Cooperman, Berry Kelly and Anita and Roger Lujan.

The family would like to thank the staff at Palmilla Senior Living for their love and dedicated attention for the past three years, especially the last few weeks of Jack’s life.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, September 9, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. at FRENCH – Westside. Memorial contributions may be made to Central United Methodist Church, 201 University Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87106.

FRENCH – Westside
9300 Golf Course Rd. NW
(505) 897-0300