James Novel Miller

James Novel Miller, son of Pearl Thames and the late James Clark Miller, was born on March 26, 1952 at Ft. Meade Hospital in Fort Meade, MD. James Miller attended and graduated form Harlem Park High School and attended BCCC for one year. James had a strong work ethic and began working at an early age with enthusiasm and charm, shining shoes and selling flowers every year for Mothers Day. As a teenager, he was quite the “ladies man” and his confidence was evident in his walk and his talk. In 1969, James enlisted in the United States Army. After being stationed in Germany for three years during the Vietnam War, he was released with an honorable discharged in 1972. In the mid 70’s, James began work, gaining valuable experience in Painting and Carpentry. In the late 70’s, he began working as a First Class Painter for the Baltimore City Department of Public Works, where he worked for twenty-five years, and earned full retirement. James had one son. James was very personable and made friends everywhere he went. If ever walking with him down the street, you could count on being greeted by people you passed, who had the pleasure of knowing him. You could also count on hearing an ear full about the latest accomplishment of one of his six daughters, whom he bragged about incessantly. James had a big personality, and his presence was always felt when he entered a room. When he was excited, it was infectious, and he could change the mood in a room in a snap! James had a gorgeous Baritone Voice, and loved to sing; he was known to be able to sing any Stevie Wonder song. He was also known to be a great dancer, and even adopted his long time nickname “Lo” from a dance he loved, the Lorenzo Stomp. As a young man, James participated in the Black Panther Movement for civil rights; and never lost his passion for servicing his country, volunteering at the VA Hospital, truly valuing an opportunity. He enjoyed the company of his grandchildren and they loved him dearly. He was a favorite uncle to many, and the life of the lessons he has taught and the experience he has shared with his children, grandchildren, nephews and nieces wont’t be forgotten. James extensive immediate family included: his children, Eric Miller (preceded in death), Linda Miller-Lawson (Kevin), Gia Miller, Jaeah Miller, Jerica Miller, Jamea Miller and Jerusa Miller; his stepchildren, Dana Sneed, Tara Sneed, Lonnie Dorsey and Jermaine Blake; his cherished grandchildren, Jay Miller, Jermaine Miller, Jamie Kimball and Alayah Miller-Gilbson; his loving mother, Pearl Thames; and stepfather, Ernest Thames; his siblings, Virgina Cocharan (preceded in death), Phyllis Miller, Renee Edwards and (Jermire), Maria “Cricket” Miller, Dennis Black (Rose), Vernell Thames, Carole Thames, Melisa Thames and karinthia Thames; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, who will love and miss him dearly.

Tributes

James Novel Miller

March 26, 1952 - June 26, 2011