James Miller

James Royal Miller, age 9 passed peacefully surrounded by his parents, siblings and Papa. The last word he heard was Jesus before taking two final breaths and slipping away into his rest. James was born on May 26, 2016, at 7:37 pm, “airplane time” at Essentia Health, Fargo to parents Jason and Danya Miller of West Fargo, ND. The youngest of four siblings he was affectionately called “Baby James” in his early days. Reaching beyond their years, his big brother Leighton, and big sisters Brooklyn and Jacqueline became an integral part of his emergency first response and loving care team; often alerting his parents to an event in the night. They were rewarded for their dedicated service by being present when he passed. They will greatly miss including him in their daily activities and grand adventures. As James grew, so did the number of loving hands in the community which supported him. He attended Early Childhood preschool and went on to school at Brooks Harbor where he formed lasting bonds with his beloved teacher Mrs. Salisbury and staff. Bus rides were also a great highlight as he enjoyed anything with wheels. It was a special treat to have this privilege of riding with Uncle Brad and his amazing staff. In 2019 a modern miracle came to the Miller home in the form of an RV. This was the perfect travel scenario for James and his crew. In his short lifetime he visited 14 states that included memorable family hiking in Coeur d’Alene, visiting Glacier National Park, jumping with daddy in the Willis Tower sky deck, driving Pikes Peak, staying at Dawn of Hope Ranch in Colorado, crossing the Mississippi headwaters with mommy, experiencing the Ark Encounter, eating sand at the Indiana Sand Dunes, and a final major road trip whale watching off the Oregon coast for Great Grandpa Lowman’s wedding. This final big trip was wrapped up by hiking Mineral Ridge together at sunset. James treasured times with his family. He loved to turn pages of a book with Papa and Grandma Miller in their home or hanging out in their yard lounging. He delighted in a snuggle or selfie with a loved one and of course cousin time. He also enjoyed visits to the Redmond Ranch where he could be taken for a ride with Grandma Alicia to see the horses and got to sit in Grandpa Perry’s plane, headset and all. Church became a place of refuge for James. Changing Lives Tabernacle was like his second home. He was often assisted by church family members, who embraced him and helped however they could. Not knowing it would be the last time but longing to do it himself; big brother Leighton lifted and wheeled James into the church where James enjoyed songs about heaven. James contentedly smiled during fellowship following. As James would return pats on his back; special pats go out to “His Joann”, beloved team at Sanford Children's, nurse Sam, and staff at Sanford Hospice. His medical community extended beyond this, and his family thank you all for your commitment to excellence in helping a vulnerable child who could not help himself, feel so loved. James taught us to “do what you can” and “not wait too long after the pain” to share a smile (or maybe a woo and a spin). We greatly anticipate a final flight on resurrection day, knowing James is in the hands of a merciful and faithful God.

James will be greatly missed by parents: Jason and Danya, siblings: Leighton, Brooklyn, Jacqueline, West Fargo, ND; grandparents: Michael and Rachelle Miller, West Fargo, ND; Perry and Alicia Redmond, Fairfield, ND; great grandma: Beverly Redmond, Belfield, ND; great grandparents: James and Jo Lee Lowman, Fairfield, ND; Uncles and Aunts: Tim and Raquella Redlin, Wahpeton, ND; Nathan and Brittany Miller, Waterton, SD; Patrick and Kristen Redmond, Belfield, ND; Patrick and Lauren Cassezza, Dickinson, ND; Jonathan and Jenna Redmond, Fairfield, ND; Cousins: Brian, Shalissa, Jaxon, Tiannah, Cambreigh, Zander, Avalon, Morgan, Faith, Amelia, Averie, Everett, Oaklyn, and Midian, followed by a host of extended family and friends who all deeply loved him.

James is preceded in death by great grandparents: Myron and Ruby Miller, Elvin and Florence Wishart, Patrick Redmond, Dona Lowman; Great Uncles: Edward Skalsky, Mark Miller, Michael Chuppe; Great Aunts: Marilynn Barrett, Nancy Miller and Cousins: Redmond babies.

Visitation: Friday, Sept. 5, 2025 from 4 to 6 PM at Changing Lives Tabernacle in West Fargo, ND.

Funeral: Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025 at 12 Noon at Changing Lives Tabernacle in West Fargo, ND with visitation starting at 10 AM.

Burial: Ada (MN) Cemetery.

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