After the tragic death of James Miller, professor of biology, on Sunday, Oct. 9, 2011, the GC community mourns the loss of a valued professor and friend, and has come together in prayer, song and remembrance during convocation, a prayer vigil and memorial to support one another in this difficult time.
On Monday, Nov. 7, the GC community gathered during convocation to “Remember with Love” the contributions of biology professor James S. Miller to Goshen College over the course of his 31 year tenure. The time included storytelling by colleagues and students and a slide show developed by Jim’s children accompanied by a recording of the GC orchestra tribute to Jim at their Oct. 22 concert. Jim’s wife Linda spoke on “Things Jim Would Have Said If He Had Known He Would Die Today.” There was a reception in the Fellowship Hall afterward.
Photos by: Jodi H. Beyeler, Alysha Bergey Landis ’11 and Abi Tsigie ’12.
Taken on: Oct. 9, Oct. 10, Oct. 17, Nov. 7
Over 450 people gathered outside Goshen College’s Science Building and Schrock Annex to mourn the loss of James Miller, professor of biology, in a candle lit prayer vigil on Sunday, Oct. 9 after his tragic death early that morning. Photo by Jodi H. Beyeler.Over 450 people gathered outside Goshen College’s Science Building and Schrock Annex to mourn the loss of James Miller, professor of biology, in a candle lit prayer vigil on Sunday, Oct. 9 after his tragic death early that morning. Photo by Jodi H. Beyeler.Over 450 people gathered outside Goshen College’s Science Building and Schrock Annex to mourn the loss of James Miller, professor of biology, in a candle lit prayer vigil on Sunday, Oct. 9 after his tragic death early that morning. Photo by Abi Tsigie ’12.Over 450 people gathered outside Goshen College’s Science Building and Schrock Annex to mourn the loss of James Miller, professor of biology, in a candle lit prayer vigil on Sunday, Oct. 9 after his tragic death early that morning. Photo by Abi Tsigie ’12.Over 450 people gathered outside Goshen College’s Science Building and Schrock Annex to mourn the loss of James Miller, professor of biology, in a candle lit prayer vigil on Sunday, Oct. 9 after his tragic death early that morning. Photo by Jodi H. Beyeler.Over 450 people gathered outside Goshen College’s Science Building and Schrock Annex to mourn the loss of James Miller, professor of biology, in a candle lit prayer vigil on Sunday, Oct. 9 after his tragic death early that morning. Photo by Jodi H. Beyeler.Over 450 people gathered outside Goshen College’s Science Building and Schrock Annex to mourn the loss of James Miller, professor of biology, in a candle lit prayer vigil on Sunday, Oct. 9 after his tragic death early that morning. Photo by Jodi H. Beyeler.Over 450 people gathered outside Goshen College’s Science Building and Schrock Annex to mourn the loss of James Miller, professor of biology, in a candle lit prayer vigil on Sunday, Oct. 9 after his tragic death early that morning. Photo by Jodi H. Beyeler.Over 450 people gathered outside Goshen College’s Science Building and Schrock Annex to mourn the loss of James Miller, professor of biology, in a candle lit prayer vigil on Sunday, Oct. 9 after his tragic death early that morning. Photo by Abi Tsigie ’12.Over 450 people gathered outside Goshen College’s Science Building and Schrock Annex to mourn the loss of James Miller, professor of biology, in a candle lit prayer vigil on Sunday, Oct. 9 after his tragic death early that morning. Photo by Jodi H. Beyeler.Over 450 people gathered outside Goshen College’s Science Building and Schrock Annex to mourn the loss of James Miller, professor of biology, in a candle lit prayer vigil on Sunday, Oct. 9 after his tragic death early that morning. Photo by Jodi H. Beyeler.Over 450 people gathered outside Goshen College’s Science Building and Schrock Annex to mourn the loss of James Miller, professor of biology, in a candle lit prayer vigil on Sunday, Oct. 9 after his tragic death early that morning. Photo by Abi Tsigie ’12.Over 450 people gathered outside Goshen College’s Science Building and Schrock Annex to mourn the loss of James Miller, professor of biology, in a candle lit prayer vigil on Sunday, Oct. 9 after his tragic death early that morning. Photo by Jodi H. Beyeler.Over 450 people gathered outside Goshen College’s Science Building and Schrock Annex to mourn the loss of James Miller, professor of biology, in a candle lit prayer vigil on Sunday, Oct. 9 after his tragic death early that morning. Photo by Jodi H. Beyeler.Over 450 people gathered outside Goshen College’s Science Building and Schrock Annex to mourn the loss of James Miller, professor of biology, in a candle lit prayer vigil on Sunday, Oct. 9 after his tragic death early that morning. Photo by Abi Tsigie ’12.Over 450 people gathered outside Goshen College’s Science Building and Schrock Annex to mourn the loss of James Miller, professor of biology, in a candle lit prayer vigil on Sunday, Oct. 9 after his tragic death early that morning. Photo by Abi Tsigie ’12.Over 450 people gathered outside Goshen College’s Science Building and Schrock Annex to mourn the loss of James Miller, professor of biology, in a candle lit prayer vigil on Sunday, Oct. 9 after his tragic death early that morning. Photo by Abi Tsigie ’12.Over 450 people gathered outside Goshen College’s Science Building and Schrock Annex to mourn the loss of James Miller, professor of biology, in a candle lit prayer vigil on Sunday, Oct. 9 after his tragic death early that morning. Photo by Abi Tsigie ’12.Over 450 people gathered outside Goshen College’s Science Building and Schrock Annex to mourn the loss of James Miller, professor of biology, in a candle lit prayer vigil on Sunday, Oct. 9 after his tragic death early that morning. Photo by Abi Tsigie ’12.Over 450 people gathered outside Goshen College’s Science Building and Schrock Annex to mourn the loss of James Miller, professor of biology, in a candle lit prayer vigil on Sunday, Oct. 9 after his tragic death early that morning. Photo by Abi Tsigie ’12.Over 450 people gathered outside Goshen College’s Science Building and Schrock Annex to mourn the loss of James Miller, professor of biology, in a candle lit prayer vigil on Sunday, Oct. 9 after his tragic death early that morning. Photo by Abi Tsigie ’12.Over 450 people gathered outside Goshen College’s Science Building and Schrock Annex to mourn the loss of James Miller, professor of biology, in a candle lit prayer vigil on Sunday, Oct. 9 after his tragic death early that morning. Photo by Abi Tsigie ’12.Over 450 people gathered outside Goshen College’s Science Building and Schrock Annex to mourn the loss of James Miller, professor of biology, in a candle lit prayer vigil on Sunday, Oct. 9 after his tragic death early that morning. Photo by Abi Tsigie ’12.Over 450 people gathered outside Goshen College’s Science Building and Schrock Annex to mourn the loss of James Miller, professor of biology, in a candle lit prayer vigil on Sunday, Oct. 9 after his tragic death early that morning. Photo by Jodi H. Beyeler.Over 450 people gathered outside Goshen College’s Science Building and Schrock Annex to mourn the loss of James Miller, professor of biology, in a candle lit prayer vigil on Sunday, Oct. 9 after his tragic death early that morning. Photo by Abi Tsigie ’12.Over 450 people gathered outside Goshen College’s Science Building and Schrock Annex to mourn the loss of James Miller, professor of biology, in a candle lit prayer vigil on Sunday, Oct. 9 after his tragic death early that morning. Photo by Jodi H. Beyeler.The convocation included a time for people to share their memories of James Miller. Daniela Zehr ’11, who had Miller for nursing courses, remembered his quirky personality.John Roth, professor of history, remembers bonding with Miller over basketball.Vicky Kirkton, associate professor and director of undergrad nursing and director of the RN to BSN program, recalls Miller’s deep care and compassion for his students, as he often wanted to give deserving students a second chance to pass his final exam.Laura Krabill, a senior biology major, tells a story about how Miller attended many of her tennis matches and made sure she understood what was happening biologically when she hurt her wrist and couldn’t play.ndy Miller, a senior nursing student, remembers James Miller’s use of humor in class. One joke she remembers: “What is black, white, black, white, black, white and green? Three skunks eating a pickle!”Miller’s sister shares her gratitude for the support of the college during an unthinkable time. The Parables worship team sings “One Voice” to end the convocation.President Jim Brenneman, Clinton Frame Pastor Terry Diener and Peter Suderman, brother of Linda Miller, talked to the press before the service.Nearly 900 people gathered for a memorial service for James S. Miller, professor of biology, at Clinton Frame Mennonite Church on Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2011. President Jim Brenneman, Clinton Frame Pastor Terry Diener and Peter Suderman, brother of Linda Miller, talked to the press before the service.President Jim Brenneman, Clinton Frame Pastor Terry Diener and Peter Suderman, brother of Linda Miller, talked to the press before the service.Pastor Terry Diener began the service with a welcome and call to worship.Clinton Frame Pastor Anita Yoder led congregational singing.Clinton Frame Pastor Anita Yoder led congregational singing.Clinton Frame Pastor Anita Yoder led congregational singing.Clinton Frame Pastor John Troyer led a time of scripture reading and sharing.Tom Cox directed the Goshen High School Band in several hymns throughout the service. Two of Jim and Linda Miller’s children, Leanne and Robert, are members of the band.Tom Cox directed the Goshen High School Band in several hymns throughout the service. Two of Jim and Linda Miller’s children, Leanne and Robert, are members of the band.Tom Cox directed the Goshen High School Band in several hymns throughout the service. Two of Jim and Linda Miller’s children, Leanne and Robert, are members of the band.President Jim Brenneman shared a tribute.The bulletin, designed by Linda Miller, for the memorial service.
