MILLER, JAMES

James Lee Miller was born December 30, 1988 to Nick and Kim Miller and was raised in Alaska where he graduated from Chugiak High School in 2007. In the fall of 2007, James moved to Yakima Washington with friends to attend Yakima Valley Community College where he studied mechanics.  

While in college, James met his wife Katie and they marry on June 14, 2008. In August 2008 he enlisted into the Army to better provide for his family. While in bootcamp, his daughter, Peyton, was born on September 29, 2008. Just 6 months after enlisting he was deployed to Afghanistan. 

Upon completion of his military training, SPC Miller was assigned to C Company, 4th Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 5th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division at Joint Base Lewis-McCord. SPC Miller was a Stryker driver, which is an 8-wheeled armored personnel carrier, capable of carrying up to a squad of 9 personnel.  

According to SPC Miller’s Platoon Sergeant, Sgt. 1st Class Michael Spalding, “he had no need to be seen or heard and didn’t expect anything in return for the hard work he put in. He never complained about how difficult the mission or how bad the timing of a task. He just did his job. No questions or complaints.”  

James enjoyed playing video games, especially on his Xbox 360, hunting, fishing, riding his four-wheeler, playing paintball with friends and playing cards at the Caribbean Casino in Yakima and RC's in Sunnyside. 

 

SPC Miller was a loving son, brother to Mandi, husband, father, and friend. He died on March 29, 2010 from wounds sustained by an improvised explosive device that detonated by his Stryker vehicle in Dashat, Afghanistan.  

The Washington State Fallen Heroes Project proudly remembers SPC James Lee Miller for his service, sacrifice, and commitment to our nation. Our hope is that his life continues to inspire all who learn his story.