James (Jim) Robert Miller born 1946, died September 4, in a traffic accident in northern Wyoming. Jim was a Colorado native and three-term mayor of Nederland, Colorado. He grew up in Longmont, Colorado, and graduated from Longmont High School. A longtime resident of Nederland, Jim started the custom jewelry business Master Goldsmiths there with his second wife Doris Miller, now Dvora Kanegis, in 1970. Jim sold Master Goldsmiths in 2006 and retired with his wife Rynn Mar Miller to Salida to be near some of his grandchildren.
A sometimes controversial figure, his proudest achievements as mayor of Nederland were being a key proponent of the transformation of the old elementary school into the Nederland Community Center and presiding over the first “Frozen Dead Guy Days”.
He is survived by his wife Rynn Mar Miller, his son Colin Miller, daughter Nicole Hansen, son-in-law Harry Hansen of Salida, Colorado, grand children Colleen Rook of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Ean Miller of Dallas, Texas, Ethan Hansen of Pueblo, Colorado, Deidre Hansen of Salida, Colorado, great-grandchildren Eden, Emma Clair, and Ezra Miller of Dallas, Texas, and niece Barbara Miller of Twin Falls, Idaho. He was preceded in death by his mother and father George and Anna Miller née Rauba of Longmont, Colorado, and brother Arther Miller of Knob Noster, Missouri.
Celebration of life to be held at the Salida SteamPlant 5-7 p.m. Friday, September 13. Snacks and beverages will be provided. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Chaffee County Habitat for Humanity and the Ark Valley Voice. The family requests that any attendees come bearing their best Jim Bob story.
The family will hold an additional celebration of life in Nederland sometime in the spring, exact date to be determined.