James H. E. Miller's Obituary
James Hugh Elwood Miller, passed away Saturday January 31, 2006 in Harlingen, Tx. Born in Edinburg, Tx to Raymond Herman Miller and Esther Elizabeth Scheideman Miller on September 17, 1938.
James’s mother passed away shortly after his birth and although he had four sisters, they were much too young to care for a newborn. He was taken in by his Aunt Nina Miller Dewey for a time as well as other friends and family. A short time later, he was adopted by Raymond’s brother, Bill Miller and his wife, Pearl Benbow Miller. Growing up, he was made aware of his early childhood and stayed in touch with his biological father and sisters throughout their lives, but Bill and Pearl were always mom and dad.
James grew up on the family farm just north of Weslaco and graduated from Weslaco High School in 1956 where he had played the cornet in the marching band. He attended Pan American College for 4 years after high school and enlisted in the Navy in 1961. He was designated an Aviation Fire Control Technician and eventually achieved the rate of Petty Officer Second Class. He was stationed in Millington, Tennessee, Meridian, Mississippi, and San Diego, California. During his tour he married and had two children, Janine and Jimmy. He deployed aboard the aircraft carrier, USS Constellation and toured the Western Pacific and was on station in the Tonkin Gulf in the early years of the Vietnam Nam War. He returned to San Diego in late 1964 and was honorably discharged the following year. He and his young family returned to Texas.
James was employed for a time as a draftsman for the highway department in McAllen. He and his family later moved to San Antonio where he worked in management at F. W. Woolworth. When the Woolco store opened in Harlingen, he was transferred there as the assistant manager. He left Harlingen and moved back to Weslaco to live near his parents where he worked in other managerial positions, construction and even on a shrimp boat for a time. Later in life he attended TSTC and mastered computer technology. He also taught computer classes at various secondary schools for a time.
He met Doris Ann Burkholder Warrenburg in 1983 and were married January 6th, 1984. They made their home in his childhood home north of Weslaco. James and Doris had recently moved to a retirement residence in Harlingen in 2025.
James enjoyed traveling, camping and horseback riding with his family. After he and Doris were married, they enjoyed traveling the world after retirement, going to many countries and meeting many people. James never met a stranger and the folks he encountered loved his big Texas presence. Throughout their time together, they were also avid dancers, especially square dancing. Because James loved his time in the Navy, he and Doris attended many state and national USS Constellation reunions around the country. James received his solo flying license and enjoyed his flights around the Valley with his cousin.
Among all of James’ endearing qualities, he was the best at all things technical. If he couldn’t find a part or a tool that he needed, he would just make it. He had an extensive library of technical books and plans on computers, woodworking, metalworking, cars, boats, airplanes, DIY projects, photography, etc. He had a room and a barn full of projects, plans, and various other gadgets. He could give you the history of any item in his barn and why he was “saving” it…even if it had been buried for decades.
James was a man of many hats but the hat he wore best was loving Doris and being loved dearly by her and the rest of his family.
James is preceded in death by his parents, Arthur (Bill) Milburn and Pearl Evelyn Benbow Miller, his sisters, Perry Jo Miller Hare, Sue Miller Madden and Dolores Miller Wood and his stepson, Scott Warrenburg, who was taken far too soon.
James is survived by his loving wife, Doris Ann Miller, his sister Jakie Shields of
Edinburg Tx, children, Janine (Thom) Pruski of Corpus Christi, Tx, Jimmy (LeeAnn) Miller of Willow Park, Tx, stepchildren, Pam Ramirez of Brownsville Tx, Brad (Dyan) Warrenburg of Bastrop Tx, Andrea (Doug) Miller of Norman Ok, daughter in law, Mary Warrenburg of Leander Tx, grandchildren Lauren, Anna and Evan Pruski, Conner and Sean Miller, Anthony Ramirez, Mackenzie Warrenburg Martinez, Sawyer Warrenburg, Zack and Gracie Miller, Matthew, Ben and Sarah Warrenburg and four great grandchildren.
What’s your fondest memory of James?
What’s a lesson you learned from James?
Share a story where James' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with James you’ll never forget.
How did James make you smile?