Another really great Model T person has unfortunately passed away. Jim Miller of Stanwood Michigan left us on the 21st April after a long battle following an operation for lung cancer from, which he contracted pneumonia. Jim was an inspiration to us and showed how old age is only a matter of the mind.
Jim a retired experimental engineer for Oldsmobile was 84 years young and enjoyed good health up until the pass month. Many Model T Ford people in Australia as well as in the USA knew or met Jim and his wife Doris on one of his many cross country drives or annual club Tours they attended over the years they did in their Model T or Model A. Over the years they covered thousands of miles travelling to Alaska from Michigan and other parts of the States.
Not satisfied with that they then did the same in Australia. When visiting Australia with a group of Model T Club members in the 1990’s they met up with Model A members who were planing a round Australia tour. Jim shipped his Model A Tudor Sedan in anticipation of travelling with the large contingent of Model A’s entered for the trip. When he arrived to pick up his Model A he was told every one of the entrants had pulled out of the tour leaving Jim and Doris alone to follow the route. Luckily one of our Model T members Laurie Mc Grath felt so bad about the situation he went home got his Model A out and accompanied Jim along with his wife Marcie on the 3 month trip of 14,000 plus miles.
In 2008 Model T members in NSW decided to celebrate the Centenary of the Model T by driving their Model T’s around Australia. Also. Jim and Doris decided to join them with a Model T this time. Richard Day one of the participants purchased and restored a 1927 Tudor for Jim to use on the trip. Along with 8 members they successfully completed the trip taking 4 months. This time Jim had to work a bit harder when the T lost its oil and did the center main bearing. Undaunted he removed the engine and repaired the damage. The engine failed again when the car was about at the half way point and upon disassembly it was discovered a helper had broken the funnel off the oil pipe to the front of the motor.
Using a Datsun slipper bearing the motor was again repaired and Jim and Doris completed the tour which finished at the Echuca Tour in October 2008. The car was then driven back to Sydney and later sold to one of our members. The motor has only recently been reconditioned again after 4 years service.
A memorial service and celebration of the life of Jim Miller will be held
11:00 AM, Saturday, April 28, 2012
New Hope United Methodist Church
7296 Nine Mile Road
Mecosta, MI 49332
Jim photo didn't post here it is
Here in Redding , California we lost a Model T guy. Bill Swigart, was getting better after his 4th that is 4h hip surgery, and I talked to him just a few days before he passed away. At the time I talked to him he seemed to doing pretty good, he was and using his walker and sounded pretty spry Guessing heart.
Peter and Sally, It's always a shock when we lose our friends in the fraternity of old Fords. Thank you Peter for relaying this sad news. - John & Ned
We never know when the bell will toll,
Or who it will be for.
But we know that some day it will ring
and friends or family will go.
And someday it will ring and it will be our
turn to depart.
But until then, tell them you love them
with all your heart.
-- Hap
Jim sounds like a great guy and a wonderful ambassador for our hobby. His family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Respectfully submitted,
Hap l9l5 cut off
Bill,
Thanks for the heads up on Bill Swigart. We haven't talked to anyone from the old Rambling A's group (we moved away in 1980). It's sad to see the "old hands" passing on. It's also sobering, as that means WE are becoming the "old Hands."
T'
David D.
I've been on several Michigan Jamborees that Jim & Doris also attended. Yes, Jim was a very nice guy. A soft spoken, true gentleman. May he rest in peace.