DR. JAMES ALEXANDER MILLER M.D., L.M.C.C., F.R.C.S. (C), F.I.C.S.

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DR. JAMES ALEXANDER MILLER M.D., L.M.C.C., F.R.C.S. (C), F.I.C.S. February 21, 1923 - December 1, 2010 It is with sadness and a sense of great loss that we announce the peaceful passing of Dr. James Miller at home at the Seine River Retirement Residence. Dr. Miller was predeceased by his father Samuel, mother Henrietta, sister Lenore, and Helen, his devoted wife of almost 60 years. Jim was born in Wellesley Township, Waterloo County, ON, and grew up in Milverton. He married Helen in 1946, and completed his medical degree at the University of Western Ontario of which he was always a proud alumnus. He practiced medicine in Hamilton, ON, St. John, NB and Esterhazy, SK. Jim and Helen made a permanent move to Winnipeg, in 1951 and he began a long career as a surgeon maintaining an office in the Norlyn Medical Building and then in the Medical Arts Building. Jim was a surgeon at both St. Boniface and Victoria Hospitals and was on faculty at the University of Manitoba. He ended his career as a medical administrator for veterans' pensions at Deer Lodge Hospital. Dr. Miller gave up his medical license in 2000 but maintained a keen interest in medicine, staying up to date on his professional reading and sometimes attending rounds. Jim was noted for his excellent bedside manner and was well suited in the era of house calls. His patients viewed Jim as kind, caring, gentle in manner and always the perfect gentleman. Even more importantly you could always read his handwriting! Jim loved his profession and his patients loved him. Besides his work, Jim had several interests. He and Helen travelled extensively often with friends. Hawaii was their favourite destination. He enjoyed his neighbours in Niakwa Park and golf, friends and food at Niakwa Country Club where he was an honorary life time member. He enjoyed attending meetings of the Conservative Club. He put his surgical skills to work carving any turkey or roast that Helen had prepared. They loved hosting their many friends. There was always great conversation around their dinner table. Jim possessed a subtle sense of humour and loved a good joke. Though he left the driving behind when he went away to medical school, Jim had a life time love of horses. In later life he found them under the hood of the Firebirds he so loved to drive on the many road trips he and Helen made to Saskatchewan, Ontario and into the United States. Jim found great meaning and strength in his faith and enjoyed church and the church community greatly. A special thank you to Father Fred Olds, Father Renato Pasinato and Father Sam Argenziano for their spiritual support and friendship over the past 35 years. Almost a year ago exactly Jim, a little uncertain about leaving his Niakwa Park home, moved to the Seine River Retirement Residence and soon found a second home. He loved his fourth floor view onto the Seine River and greatly appreciated the wonderful staff and residents, particularly his special friend Leona Foster, who helped to make his life at the Seine River so comfortable and enjoyable. Jim was a devoted husband, a true friend, a mentor and support to many in both his professional and personal life, particularly for his many godchildren. A fine man, generous of time and support, quiet and unassuming, Jimmy, as he was known to many of his friends, will be missed but not forgotten. Funeral Mass will take place on Tuesday, December 7, at 11:00 a.m. in St. Bernadette Parish Church, 820 Cottonwood Road. Interment will follow at St. Vital Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Dr. Miller's name may be made to the St. Boniface Research Foundation, D1003 - 409 Taché Ave., Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6. The Coutu family in care of arrangements: E. J. COUTU CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS 680 Archibald St. 253-5086

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 04, 2010