James F. Miller, Sr.

James F. Miller, Sr., age 98, of Sterling Heights, formerly of Tecumseh, passed away February 22, 2014.James was born September 17, 1915 in Petersburg, Pa., the son of Ray and Hulda (Straiff) Miller. On October 7, 1939 he married Ethel Fagan in Mooresville, Pa., and they celebrated 68 years of marriage before her death July 9, 2008. He was a member of the Tecumseh United Methodist Church and currently a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church in Roseville.In 1970 James and Ethel moved to Tecumseh when he was employed by Stauffer Chemical Co. for 10 years. He continued working for 14 years at his cleaning business, Corrugated Box and Missionary Baptist Church.He was a lifelong member of the Masonic Lodge and an avid hunter.James is survived by two sons, James (Christine) Miller of Utica and Kenneth (Marissa) Miller of Bellefontaine, Ohio; daughter, Dorothy (Garvin) Gentry of Sterling Heights; nine grandchildren; six great grandchildren; sister, Joyce Rupert and numerous nieces and nephews.In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; one sister and five brothers.Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 27, 2014 at the Tecumseh United Methodist Church with Pastor Mark Miller and Pastor Steve Euper officiating. Burial will follow in Brookside Cemetery, Tecumseh. Visitation was from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2014 at the J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home, Tecumseh and one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday. Messages to the family may be made online at www.pursefuneralhome.com.