Charles James ‘Jug’ Miller
NORTH VERNON
Charles James “Jug” Miller died at home of natural causes on July 24, 2021, in North Vernon, IN.
He was born on January 9, 1936, on North Elm St. in North Vernon, IN to Edward P Miller and C Lucille (Hirtzel) Miller. He was the fourth of six siblings.
Charles grew up in North Vernon, Indiana. He attended St. Mary’s elementary school, North Vernon High School, and graduated with a teaching degree from Morehead State University. He served in the Marine Corps from 1954-56, was stationed in Washington, DC, and was honored by being chosen to serve in President Eisenhower’s Honor Guard. Rumor has it that while there, his platoon appeared on a television show. Upon leaving the military, Jug returned to North Vernon where he taught Shop in several Indiana high schools, including North Vernon High School, for several years before restarting the family construction business in North Vernon, Miller Lumber Company, later renamed Miller Building Center. On September 6, 1958, he married Sherida Burgmeier at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in North Vernon, and they raised 5 children before they divorced. He was the proud owner of Miller Building Center, where he worked until his death.
Jug will be remembered for his love of family, fishing, cooking, hunting, trap shooting, and his honesty and stubbornness, thus the nickname “Jughead”. He was a member of the Democratic party, Moose, Knights of Columbus, AmVets and VFW. Jug was an accomplished athlete in his youth. He was a member of the undefeated North Vernon High School football teams of 1952-53 and 1953-54 and was named to the All-State team for both his junior and senior years. He was also a standout basketball player in high school.
He is survived by five loving children; Teresa “Terri” Leake of Charlotte, NC; Tricia (Steve) Losey of Butlerville, IN; Tammy (Jerry) Minger of Bloomington, IN; Trent (Mandy) Miller of Columbus, IN; and Trevor (Jessica) Miller of Columbus, IN. He is also survived by grandchildren Travis (Erin) Leake, Shanyn (Matthew) Schroeder, Avery (Becca) Losey, Delanie Losey, Reilly Losey, Anthony “TJ” Babcock, Victoria Babcock, Clayton (Jessica) Miller, Connor Miller, Aidan Miller, Zoe Miller, Eliana Miller, and step grandchildren Andrew Minger, Geoffrey Minger, Casey Beck, and Gracee Monroe. He was the proud great grandfather to Sierra Leake, Mason Leake, and Charley Miller.
He was preceded in death by brothers Edward Miller and Richard Miller, sister E Ann Tallant, and sister-in-law Jackie Miller. He is survived by siblings Paul Miller and Dorine (Terry) May. His sisters-in-law Joan Miller and Louise Reichert also survive.
He will be greatly missed by his family, his many friends, his previous students, his customers and by all of those whose lives he touched throughout his 85 years.
Per his wishes, he will be cremated and there will be no funeral services. His children are hosting an Open House on Friday, July 30th, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Sawyer Pickett Funeral Home in North Vernon. They invite the public to attend and share stories of Jug.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity in Jug’s name.
