James Brendan Miller
Jul 21, 1942 -
Aug 22, 2020
James Brendan Miller,78, passed away on Aug. 22, 2020, in Anchorage, Alaska. Jim was born in Sheridan, Wyo., to Reuben and May Miller. He grew up in Igloo, S.D., a World War II munitions depot and moved to Alaska in 1956. Jim graduated from Anchorage High School in 1960.
Afterwards, he attended electronics school. Jim began his career as a radioman at Reeve Aleutian Airways in 1963. Early on he spent plenty of time "out on the chain" wearing many hats: station agent, radio operator, technician and weather observer. He worked his way up to be the Director of Communications and Avionics. He retired from Reeve in 1991, and began Alaska Aviation Radio with contracts from ARINC to install and maintain ACARS stations and FAA to install and maintain the first AWOS's in Alaska. Later, he incorporated Alaska Weather Operation Services and over the next 25 years, would complete many aviation related construction contracts including many "niche" projects where Jim would come up with unique solutions.
His time as a weather observer in the Aleutians instilled in him a passion for aviation weather. He participated in the weather working groups composed of the local air carriers, FAA, NWS and state aviation agencies. He was well-regarded in this community and known as the go-to guy for weather. In 1985, he spearheaded the project to bring real-time weather to pilots, starting with installing 19 SAWRS stations statewide and training locals to observe weather during flight operations. This program evolved into the nationwide Contract Weather Observers that augments the automatic weather system with human observations. It was through his lobbying efforts in 1994 and the aid of Senator Stevens that this very important facet of aviation safety was funded. He will be sorely missed by the observers and all in the aviation weather community.
In the '80s, he volunteered at the Anchorage Opera Company, an experience he talked about often. He loved music and art. He was resourceful, a problem solver and always had a new project going. Jim was never at a loss for words or a story and had many unique sayings and quotes.
He is survived by his children, Todd (Debra) Miller, Rena (Scott) Coburn, David (Pam) Miller, Mike (Rami) Miller and Becky (Rob) Dickfoss; 18 grandkids; and four great-grandkids; former spouse, Marilyn; sister, Jeanne Dougherty; and beloved dog, Dutch. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Pat Clyburn and Mary Sherwood; and brother, William.
There will be a celebration of life on Oct. 3, 2020, at 3 p.m., at the Alaska Aviation Museum in Anchorage. Please bring your stories, quotes and sayings to share. Jim's ashes will be dusted in the Aleutians next summer. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite performing arts group.
