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16007 Miller, James Robert
June 07, 1924 - February 26, 1954

usma1946

 

 

 MEMORIAL ARTICLE
Published Assembly Jan '56

James Robert Miller  No. 16007  Class of 1946 Died February 26, 1954, near Stewart AFB, NY, aged 29 years.
 

 JAMES ROBERT MILLER, Captain, U.S.A.F. Thus is he memorialized in the records of the Air Force. To his friends and associates in the Air Force his name was "Dogy" and to his family and many friends in his home town, he was known as "Bob".

 My acquaintance with Bob started about ten years ago and we became, I believe, very close friends. We all knew that Bob was dedicated to the Air Force and to many of us he was a symbol of the Air Force and of the Academy. In my opinion he did great credit to both. He distinguished himself in combat, receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross, with clusters, for his valor in Korea. His air of confidence and his high competence undoubtedly made him a fine officer.

 As a youngster Bob was always popular. Born, in Marion, Illinois on June 7, 1924, he went through the schools there with a better than creditable scholastic average and was elected leader of his fellows in many activities. He was graduated from the Academy in 1946, as a pilot in the Air Force. He married Lynne Sneedon, a South Carolina girl, on October 31, 1946 and they have one daughter, Cheri Lynne, born in Panama on October 1, 1949.

 It is ironic that Bob would die in an airplane accident near Stewart Air Force Base, where he received flight training as a cadet and his wings. He was on a routine flight in a T-33.

 To us in his home town, it seems incredible that Bob won't be with us again. Whenever possible, Bob and Lynne and Cheri came to Marion at Christmas to be with Bob's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Warner W. Miller, and his aunt, Miss Edna Welton, to all of whom he was very much endeared, Their visits were as much a part of Christmas as the trees and tinsel. His passing, with many of us, will be most felt at that time of year. I know our thoughts will be of Bob at Christmas time for many years to come.

 Each person, it seems, has an outstanding characteristic. Bob had his share of troubles in this world, but the remarkable fact Is that I never heard him complain about personal matters. This seems to me to be an indication of greatness and was Bob's outstanding characteristic. This facet of his personality was so unusual that in my life's span thus far I have met no one else with such a trait. On the other hand, Bob was most sympathetic to the problems of others. Rather than become glum about these things, Bob would help by making one forget his troubles and gain a brighter outlook.

 He had great personal charm, was an inveterate story teller and I am sure that no one ever enjoyed a party more than he did. This ability to work hard, then play hard, was undoubtedly learned at the Academy, where time for fun was short, and much had to be crowded into a brief weekend or vacation.

 In summation, I would describe Bob as an officer and gentleman of the highest caliber. He was an astute flier, kind and generous friend, devoted son, father and husband and the epitome of all for which he stood.

 This tribute to Bob is made with pride in having been asked to prepare it, and with great humility and sorrow as a result of the loss of one of the best friends I'll ever have.

                                                      -Frank J. Roan.



 


 
 

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