James Michael "Mike" Miller

James M. (Mike) Miller, 71, of Anderson, IN.

On April 16, 2023, Mike heard Willie Nelson singing his 1966 recording of (Turn Out the Lights) “The Party’s Over.” The lights were turned out and Mike’s party was over. Mike’s life screen flashes the message “THAT’S ALL FOLKS.”

Mike was born on May 26, 1951, in Metropolis, IL to the late James T. and Betty J. (Crane) Miller. Mike attended Anderson High School, Class of 1969. Mike served his country in the United States Air Force, 1969 to 1973, maintaining Aerial Photographic Systems on F4 Fighters at Homestead, Florida, and B 52 bombers (BUFFs), at U-Tapao, Thailand during the Vietnam War. What an experience that was for an 18-year-old kid from the Midwest. He was honorably discharged October 1973.

Mike is survived by his sisters Jeanne Starley of Fillmore, Utah (older sister), Donna Bodey of Anderson, Indiana (oldest kid sister), and Anita Miller of Anderson, Indiana (youngest kid sister and caregiver), and a brother Pat; numerous nieces and nephews; and a few great-nieces and nephews tossed in for good measure.

In January of 2022, a trio of rescue dogs were added to the list of current relatives. Buddy (a rain cloud follows him around, not his fault, but if something is going to happen, he seems to be there), Benny (a sweet guy that Is not exactly sure where his most of the time but he tries), and Suzy (cute little Shih Tzu that is pretty much in charge of the group.

Mike attended Ball State University from 1975-1979 studying Photojournalism and Graphic Arts Management. Mike worked while attending Ball State University as a newspaper pressman and photographer for the Hartford City News-Times. He stated that was one of the most enjoyable jobs he has ever had. Following college, Mike moved to New Orleans, Louisiana and worked a boat load of jobs. The boat was filled with oilfield engineers, offshore in the Gulf of Mexico. After leaving the oilfield, Mike formed Miller and Associates, specializing in Thoroughbred Horse Racing Magazine graphics and advertising. What a great job for him! He worked 12-14 hours a day for two weeks and then off for 2 weeks. Mike also worked as a graphic artist at The University of New Orleans, and camera operator and graphic assembler at various printing companies. Mike then returned to Indiana in 1990.  After returning to Indiana, Mike worked at a plethora of jobs before retiring in 2017. Mike was the “I.T. Guy” in a large warehouse for over 13 years. He was also the guy that installed the irritating Buzzzzzzing sound on the Emergency Alert Warning for cable TV systems throughout the U.S. (a minor claim to fame, but non the less.) Mike was production manager for a Hi-Tech electronic prepress company and night Plant Manager for a large printing company.

Mikes life is complete and all in all, an okay life. No complaints. Mike has arranged, an After Baking (Cremation) Wake/Party/Celebration of Life and death on July 1, 2023 from 11:30-2:30 at Creatures of Habit in Anderson.

“The time is gone, the song is over, thought I’d have something more to say.” -Pink Floyd.

“Maybe just once someone will call me sir without adding ‘you are making a scene,’” -Homer Simpson.