Obituary for James Miles
Our brother, uncle, and friend, James Daniel Miles of Collingdale, PA, passed away on January 17, 2021 at age 79. He was the son of Daniel Beeman Miles and Beryl Loree Womer Miles, originally from Grampian and State College, respectively.
As a teenager at Collingdale High School, Jim's friends described him as witty, fun-loving, and upbeat—qualities he retained throughout his life. Jim was a polymath who was passionate about literature, music, world affairs, basketball, and Penn State football. He enjoyed a good debate and contributed regular Letters to the Editor of the Philadelphia Inquirer. Jimmy loved his family and would become a fierce advocate when the need arose. A visit with him always meant coming away with something new—a mixtape, gadget, or idea. His resourcefulness and resilience enabled him to endure chronic health challenges and other difficult circumstances.
Jim completed a B.A. in Geography at Mansfield University and an M.S.Ed in reading education at the University of Pennsylvania. He also completed coursework for a graduate degree in English literature at Penn State University. He worked as an English instructor at Delaware County Community College, the Delaware County Juvenile Detention Center and Cardinal O’Hara High School before serving for many years as the Assistant to the Dean at Strath Haven High School.
From our first to very last encounter, we learned and laughed with Jim.
Uncle Jimmy will be missed by his brother Dan and sister-in-law Jeannine, sister Mary Jo and brother-in-law Fernando, niece Sara, nephews Steven and Alex, and friends Laird, Joe, Clark, Marvin, Lyn, and Sharon. Remembering Phil, Beth, Bob, Paul and Natalie. Shout out to Sonny, Bobby Ann, Vladimir and Paul (Klee).
When it is safe to do so, an informal gathering will take place at the home of Dan and Jeannine Miles to celebrate Jim's life.
PA Simple Cremation is assisting the family with arrangements.
To sign the online guestbook, visit www.pasimplecremation.com
As a teenager at Collingdale High School, Jim's friends described him as witty, fun-loving, and upbeat—qualities he retained throughout his life. Jim was a polymath who was passionate about literature, music, world affairs, basketball, and Penn State football. He enjoyed a good debate and contributed regular Letters to the Editor of the Philadelphia Inquirer. Jimmy loved his family and would become a fierce advocate when the need arose. A visit with him always meant coming away with something new—a mixtape, gadget, or idea. His resourcefulness and resilience enabled him to endure chronic health challenges and other difficult circumstances.
Jim completed a B.A. in Geography at Mansfield University and an M.S.Ed in reading education at the University of Pennsylvania. He also completed coursework for a graduate degree in English literature at Penn State University. He worked as an English instructor at Delaware County Community College, the Delaware County Juvenile Detention Center and Cardinal O’Hara High School before serving for many years as the Assistant to the Dean at Strath Haven High School.
From our first to very last encounter, we learned and laughed with Jim.
Uncle Jimmy will be missed by his brother Dan and sister-in-law Jeannine, sister Mary Jo and brother-in-law Fernando, niece Sara, nephews Steven and Alex, and friends Laird, Joe, Clark, Marvin, Lyn, and Sharon. Remembering Phil, Beth, Bob, Paul and Natalie. Shout out to Sonny, Bobby Ann, Vladimir and Paul (Klee).
When it is safe to do so, an informal gathering will take place at the home of Dan and Jeannine Miles to celebrate Jim's life.
PA Simple Cremation is assisting the family with arrangements.
To sign the online guestbook, visit www.pasimplecremation.com