James 'Coach' Howard Miller

James(Coach)Howard Miller, 86 of Palm Harbor, Fl. entered into rest October 16, 2006, surrounded by his family. He was born in Massillon on February 1, 1920 to the late George and Carrie (Berang) Miller. He was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Vickie, and his daughter Carrie Ann. He is survived by his three sons and daughter-in-law, Tim Miller, Jeff Miller, Doug & Diane Miller and two grandchildren, Virginia, and James; sister, Marilyn Wike; brother, Robert and his wife Virginia. Originally from Massillon, Oh. He graduated from Purdue Univ. in January, 1942 as captain of the football team, and immediately entered the United States Naval Air Corp. and became a flight instructor in Pensacola Fl. in WWII. After 4 years in the military, he began a football coaching career that lasted 25 years, most notably – assistant coach at Purdue Univ., head coach of Univ. of Detroit, and head coach of Boston College, 1960 – 1968. He then left coaching, and joined a Purdue Univ. coaching friend, George Steinbrenner, and became his personal assistant for 12 years, including managing his horse farm in Ocala, Fl. to assisting in all affairs of the New York Yankees, starting a much revered club in Tampa – “The Committee of 100”, as well as many other business interests of Mr. Steinbrenner. After retirement he resided at Balmoral Assisted Living, in Palm Harbor, Fl., where he lived very comfortably for the last 5 years. As a final request, he asked that his funeral services, and final internment be performed in his home town – Massillon, OH., where he will be buried beside his loving wife. James was a very devoted husband, family man, and best friend, and will be missed very much by all of his family and friends. Friends may call 6:00pm to 8:00 P.M., Friday, Oct. 20th at Paquelet Funeral Home in Massillon, Ohio. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday at St.Joseph’s Catholic Church at 10:00 A.M. in Massillon, Ohio, with the final internment immediately following at Calvary Cemetary in Massillon, Ohio. In lieu of any flowers, the family has requested that any donations please be sent to the U.S. James A. Haley Veterans Hospital in Tampa, Fl. Paquelet (330)833-3222 A Golden Rule Funeral Home