James "Jim" G. Miller

James “Jim” G. Miller, age 83, of Perrysburg and formerly of Northwood and Oregon, OH passed away at home on Sunday, June 18, 2023. He was born on December 14, 1939, in Toledo, OH to Ira and Elna (Stump) Miller. He was a member of the 1957 graduating class of Olney High School, now known as Northwood High School. Jim attended the University of Toledo receiving both an Associate Degree in engineering and a Bachelor’s Degree in business. He married Betty Lou Klavinger on June 18, 1960, in Latcha, OH at Zion Lutheran Church. Jim and Betty Lou raised two children and celebrated 63 years of marriage on the day that he passed.
After a brief employment at Autolite, in Vincennes, Indiana, Jim returned to Toledo in 1962 to begin his career at Owens Illinois working for over 20 years as a project engineer at the Technical Center. While working his full-time job in 1968, Jim founded Northwood Industries, a precision machining company in his garage. He operated the business on a part-time basis for many years with his wife and children as his first employees. Jim ultimately committed all his energy to Northwood Industries in 1985, leading and growing the company until his retirement in 2002. Jim had a strong work ethic that he instilled in his children and grandchildren. Over the years, his drive and commitment to the machining industry impacted many of his employees and their families.
His memberships included: Zion Lutheran Church in Latcha, the Toledo Swiss Singers, and the German American Festival Society as well as a 32° Mason for many years. He served on the Northwood School Board from 1968 to 1979. He enjoyed traveling, fishing, golf, and gardening, as well as a cigar and a well-made Manhattan with good company. With all the joys in Jim’s life, it was his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, that brought Jim the most joy.
In addition to his wife Betty Lou, Jim is survived by his children: Kurt (Laura) Miller and Kim (Norm) Wymer both of Perrysburg. Grandchildren: Russell (Beth) Wymer, Chelsea (Joe) Khristov and Katie (Stephen) Pavelko. Great-grandchildren: Elwood, William, and Claire Wymer, Eli and Ezra Khristov, Leighton and Lily Pavelko. He is also survived by sister, Janet “Kay” (John) Vargo of Olathe, KS. He was preceded in death by his parents, and half-brother, Charles Berkley Stump.
Family and friends will be received on Wednesday, June 28, 2023 from 3 - 7:30 p.m., at the Marsh & Marsteller Funeral Home, 110 W. Main Street, Luckey, OH. A Memorial Service will be conducted on Thursday, June 29, 2023, at 11 a.m., at Zion Lutheran Church, 26535 Pemberville Rd., Latcha/Perrysburg OH. The family will receive guests from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Officiating will be Rev. Dr. James Dumke. The family would like to thank The Waterford staff and community and Hospice of Northwest Ohio for their care and compassion. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to: Zion Lutheran Church, Boy Scouts of America or Hospice of Northwest Ohio. Those wishing to express a word of encouragement, share a memory or photo may do so at www.marshfuneralhomes.com