John R. "Jack" Miller

August 21, 1920 – March 4, 2007

John R. "Jack" Miller, age 86, a lifelong resident of Madison, left the bonds of earth to the arms of the Good Lord on Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2007. Jack was born Aug. 21, 1920. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles D. and Marian Miller; infant brother, Carlton Miller; sister, Jean Miller; and granddaughter, Ruany Kruk. He is survived by his sister, Ann Zerbel (Miller). Jack is survived by the love of his life, Margharetta Elaine Miller (Kohler).

Jack and Elaine met on a blind date in mid April 1942, and were married six weeks later on June 1, 1942. They created a wonderful living legacy of a loving and much loved family. Their children are Judi (Bob) Loeffelholtz, John (Lynda) Miller, Jean (Rick) Gibbs and Linda (John Scalissi) Schabel. Their grandchildren are Diana Gruter, Lisa Ramirez, Sarah Elswick, Alex Miller, Emery Miller, Jack Miller, Brian Hook, Olivia Vazquez, Alex Gibbs, Caroline Gibbs, Hershel Miller, Brad Schabel and Nick Schabel. Their great- grandchildren are Andrea, Kelsey, Jenna, Tanya, Isaiah, Lita, Tylee and Kaitlynne. Their great-great- grandchildren are Channing and Cadence.

Jack was a descendant of early Wisconsin settlers. His great great- grandfather, Manoah D. Miller, founded the First Baptist Church in Madison in 1853. Others settled in Lafayette County, in the early 1850s, having arrived from Yorkshire, England. Jack was proud of his uncle, Bert Miller and his aunt, Florence Baskerville, both whom contributed much to Madison.

Jack attended Randall Elementary School and graduated from West High in 1938. He was a lifelong member of Glenwood Moravian Church, where he taught Sunday school. He briefly attended the University of Wisconsin. He left to pursue a passion for flying.

Jack answered the call to help Britain, joining the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1941. He was stationed at the Bombing and Gunnery School in Paulson, Manitoba, as a Flight Officer. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, Jack transferred to the U.S. Army Air Corps. He was an original cadre with the 95th Bomb Group, which was equipped with B-17s. Jack was Operations Officer and a lead pilot, attaining the rank of Captain. He flew in some of the most savage air battles of the war (Kiel, Bremen and Schweinfurt). Jack was awarded various medals. He was most proud of his two Distinguished Flying Crosses. He did not consider himself a hero saying, "the real heroes did not return."

In the eyes of his family, he demonstrated heroism both in combat and in his struggles with his health. He was a Scottish Rite Mason, a founding member of the 8th Air Force Historical Society, a life member of the 2nd Schweinfurt Memorial Association, the 95th Bomb Group Association and the Disabled American Veterans. Jack was a volunteer at the Madison Veterans Hospital in the heart transplant unit. He spoke to Air Force ROTC students at the UW. He appears in many books about the war and appeared in the NBC documentary, "All The Fine Young Men," in 1985, commemorating the air war in Europe on the 50th anniversary of D-Day. He was dedicated to his family, his country and his God. Jack was blessed with a great sense of humor, warmth and a deep compassion for his fellow man, which he shared generously with those fortunate to be in his company. He is deeply loved and will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434 www.cressfuneralservice.com

Wisconsin State Journal (Madison, WI) - Sunday, March 4, 2007