James E. Miling of Grand Rapids, father of Dorr Township Supervisor Jeff Miling, died Tuesday, Feb. 5. He was 90.
Jim served his country during the Korean War. He had a great love for the outdoors, and many happy memories camping and fishing on the mouth of the Two Hearted River in the U.P.
“Grandpa Jim” enjoyed serving as camp cook, along with his faithful dog, Tanner, for the Lincoln and Hillcrest environmental schools. He was honored to join his fellow veterans on the Talons Out Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. and enjoyed overseas travels to visit family in Spain. Later in life, Jim enjoyed walking and visiting friends at Riverside Park and having coffee at Fat Boy on Plainfield.
Jim is survived by brother and sisters-in-law, David (Ruthann) Miling and Kathy Miling; children, Steven (Terri) Miling, Diane (Pete) Russo, Daniel (Maria) Miling, Jeffrey (Barbara) Miling, Robert (Melissa) Miling, Michael (Laura) Miling, and Lisa Wieringa; 24 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Jack Miling.
The celebration of Jim’s life will be in July of 2019. In memory of Jim, please consider memorial contributions to Grand Rapids Home for Veterans or Kent County Veterans Honor Guard.
A great man and great American, condolences to Jeff and the entire Miling family.