“Airways to Heaven”
The voice that touched so many lives
Herschel “Jim” Miller, of Lorena Texas, passed away, with peace and grace, June 13, 2019, with his family at his side.
A memorial service will be held at 10:00 A.M., Saturday, June 22, 2019, at First United Methodist Church, 4901 Cobbs Dr. Waco, Texas. All are welcome to attend this glorious celebration of life.
Herschel Vaughn Miller was born in Byers, Texas on April 7, 1937. After moving to Waco, he was deeply involved in radio and remained so for the majority of his life. His early morning radio program was dubbed, “Miller in The Morning”. He brought a smile and laughter to many a sleepy face.
Herschel had a golden gift of gab. He never met a stranger and always had time to answer a question or solve a problem, no matter how small. His devotion to his family and his firm belief in God lead him into the Stephens Ministry at First United Methodist Church. After years of service in the Stephens Ministry, Herschel became a “Stephen Leader.” He dedicated seventeen years of service to Stephens Ministry. For the past 40+ years, Herschel was also an active member of First United Methodist Church in Waco. He loved his bible study and prayer group, “The Band of Brothers.”
Herschel loved sports, always had time to talk about the Texas Rangers, cruising and spending time with family. He even made time to smoke the occasional cigar on his back porch with family members. He also had a deep love and passion for pets, and once even tended to a small family of feral cats! He will be missed but never forgotten.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Herschel Miller and Sarah Dorcas.
Herschel is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Wanda; son, Herschel Miller and wife Jennifer, of China Spring; daughter, Deborah Anderson and husband Ray of Lorena; grandchildren, Leslie Siegel and husband James Matthew Siegel, II., of Tomball, Erin Miller and husband Hunter, of Walpole, MA, Jeremy Miller and wife Abby, of Boston, MA, and Clifford Miller, of San Antonio; great-grandchildren, James Matthew Siegel III, ”Tripp”, Jaxson Siegel and Hadlee Miller; brothers, James Miller and wife Melba, of Austin, and Tommy Miller and wife Lyn, of Temple; and many much-loved nieces, nephews, and friends.
Memorial donations, in memory of Herschel, may be made to Fuzzy Friends Rescue, 6321 Airport Road, Waco, Texas 76708.
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A very sweet, funny and witty man. I’ll always remember my Uncle Herschel’ voice and laughter. He will be greatly missed by all.
Wanda, Herschel, Deborah and families, so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Praying God’s comfort for all during this very difficult time.
Listened to “Miller in the Morning” as a kid and then got the chance to work with ” The Miller” when I started my career in broadcasting. Nicest guy in radio, ever! His wit was spontaneous and not contrived like the radio “jocks” of today. Sadly radio is not the same as the glory days of “Miller in the Morning”.
A friend of ours for 45 years. Always fun to be around whether a ball game, party or church . Jim was a servant,
just as the Bible asks of us and he was. Love your neighbor……he did. He visited those that had health issues, day in
and day out. When things got silent, Jim was the first one to talk. Never a complaint about making a call on someone
less fortunate or in need. Always ready to lead in prayer for any situation. He wasnt just a man, he was a special man.
We will miss him terribly. His shoes will be difficult to fill. My sympathy to Jim’s family.
Jim gave me my first full time job in radio and I was blessed to work with him twice. He was a true mentor to me. Without a doubt, Jim was also one of the funniest people I’ve ever known. His love for his craft, his family, and the Lord still inspires me. God bless him, Wanda, and their wonderful family.
Miller Family,
I had the HONOR and PRIVILEGE of knowing Jim. Wanda he ALWAYS talked about how he loved you and his family. Jim helped me get the radio station to do a broadcast for a back to school party. I never forgot how much he cared about people and communities. I pray God will comfort you during this difficult time. May God BLESS all who knew and loved Jim.
I listened to him every morning while getting ready for school.He will be truly missed.
What a” jock”, what a christian, what a friend. All of those and so much more. I will miss his humor, his kindness, that voice and, of course, that familiar smile. For more than 45 years our friendship always felt so real. For whatever time I have remaining in this life I will not forget the “good times” shared with Herschel “Jim” Miller. If there might be a heavenly radio station, hopefully, one day we can share the mike.
I remember working with Jim in the mid-90s when he was on KWTX-AM. He was always so funny and had a smile for everyone. A treasure of a man that will be sorely missed! My deepest sympathies to his family and all who loved him.
Jim was a wonderful human!! Loved listening and working with him in radio. He was also my neighbor and you couldn’t find a better one! I share a love for weenie dogs with him. God bless your family!
Love and Prayers
Susan
Wanda, you’re in my thoughts and prayers. Knowing Jim was a special blessing for so many people. Heaven has gained a wonderful new soul.
Sorry to hear about Jim’s passing. Genuinely funny and spontaneous. Probably wouldn’t have come to Waco and eventually met my wife if he hadn’t hired me and brought to Waco. Working with him at WACO and KWTX was the highlight of my years in radio. Our paths were meant to cross and I am so glad I was able to tell him on many occasions how grateful I am he hired me when he did. That single act of showing confidence in my ability opened a entirely new world to a young man attempting to figure out who he was. Thanks, again, Jim. Wish we could do it all over again.
We first met Jim and Wanda in 1961 when we all attended the same Grand Prairie church. This preceded our radio careers. Our paths parted for several years then fate would later reunite us at WACO Radio. Jim was a very special friend and an admired colleague. He leaves an enviable legacy as a husband, father, Christian witness, and broadcast professional. Marie and I send our deepest sympathies to Wanda and the entire family. May God grant you peace, comfort, and understanding in this the most difficult of times.
I met Herschel when I was hired at W-A-C-O Radio back in the 70’s. As he had done with so many other DJ’s, Herschel took me under his wing and led me into a career in Waco radio that generated so many great memories and a lifetime friendship with “Jim”. Herschel was the consummate professional. He was a GREAT morning radio host and he was an even better person. His faith led him to minister to so many people – many of those in hospitals & nursing homes. His personality and wit made him a favorite at any event or group activity. The love of his family was on display in every conversation. Please keep Wanda, Herschel Ray, Deborah and the rest of the family in your prayers. God bless my friend Herschel “Jim” Miller.
I had the privilege of working with Jim twice…first at WACO-AM 1978-79, and again in 1980 at KHOO-FM after a brief stint in West Texas. I’ll never forget the Saturday morning I drove from Corsicana to Waco for my “interview”…which consisted of going to the car wash with the station owner, and then being thrown on the air while Jim and a few other folks sat in the newsroom to “critique”. Man…talk about pressure:)
Afterwards, Jim came back in the control room and told the boss wanted to see me. Somehow I got the gig. I quickly found out how lucky I was to be working with Jim. He was a larger than life character, at least to me. I never forgot the radio (and life) lessons I got from him.
God speed Jim…God speed.
Ken “Kevin Randall” Carver
Sorry for your loss. I met Jim at the Heart O Texas Speedway back in the day. Loved listening to his Radio Show. I remember him always being in a upbeat mood so he will truly be missed.
…truly a very special man and a great friend
Dear Wanda,
We are so sorry to learn of Jim’s passing. He wa so faithful to visit Billy in the hospital and also when he was at Royal Manor for a time. We are honored to call you our friends. May God be especially close to you as you go on without him. Love and prayers.
My family and I send our deepest sympathies to Jim’s family. Wanda, Herschel, Deborah and family are the luckiest people for have had Jim as the Patriarch of your family. I had the honor and pleasure of working with him at KWTX radio for a number of years.He taught me a lot about the broadcast industry. Rest in Peace MY FRIEND!!!
It’s been 4 weeks since Herschel has passed away. I’m still hurting and missing him so much. I know I will see him again so someday. It’s so nice to read what everyone has said about him. He will always be in my thoughts. Love you and miss you your wife Wanda
I just found out in September of 2021 that Jim had passed away. We worked together in the 70’s at W-A-C-O and back in those days, I used the air name of “Rick Randall.” Our on-the-air staff consisted of Jim, me, program director Mike Murphy and night time personality Bruce Reynolds.
Jim was such a joy to work with. His off-the-wall sense of humor and laid back style made the morning show. And no matter what was going on at the radio station, whether it be good or bad, Jim always had that smile on his face. Rest in peace, my son!