James Miller Obituary

Miller, MD, PHD, COLONEL (RET.)
James Brian
Miller, MD, PHD, COLONEL (RET.)
October 14, 1938
December 22, 2024

James Brian Miller, MD passed away peacefully on December 22, 2024, in Colorado Springs, surrounded by his immediate family. Dr. Miller, lovingly known as Brian, "Doc," or "JB," was 86 years old.
Born October 14, 1938, in Los Angeles to AJ "Pug" and Olivia Miller. Brian began his undergraduate studies at the University of California in Santa Barbara before transferring to UCLA, where he completed his bachelor's degree and met Marilyn, who became his life partner.
Brian entered medical school at the University of Southern California, with a one-year hiatus to earn a PhD in primate genetics at Uppsala University, Sweden. While there, they welcomed their first son, Eric. He graduated from USC medical school in 1965, having their second son, Kirk, and joined the US Air Force. He interned at Andrews Air Force Base in MD, completing his residency and fellowship in cardiology at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX, where their family was completed with the birth of Lisa.
Brian was deployed to Cam Ranh Bay Air Base Vietnam in 1971. He was assigned to the US Air Force Academy Hospital in Colorado Springs in 1972. While at USAFA, he returned to Vietnam to teach students at Hue Medical School. In 1976, Brian left active duty, to remain in the Air Force Reserves, while establishing his private practice in Cardiology. He was activated for Desert Storm and attended War College, before retiring as a full Colonel with 30 years of service. He continued his private practice until 2008 and later volunteered at Peak Vista, serving into his early 70s. Brian developed a reputation as a talented and caring physician.
His medical expertise did not transfer to home repairs. He was a man who never shied away from a project, even if the results were unconventional! His interests spanned reading, biking, skiing, camping, horseback riding, and ice hockey.
Brian and Marilyn greatly treasure their friends, both near and far, as they maintain life-long connections. Brian loved travelling and adventuring with Marilyn, and they experienced the world together. Brian's pace may have slowed in 2006 with the diagnosis of Parkinsons disease, yet it provided them greater time to became woven into the fabric of the El Paso County community. They are ardent supporters of the Bethel Nursing School, ENT Center of Performing Arts (UCCS), Colorado Springs Philharmonic, and the World Affairs Council. Brian served as president and a lifetime member of the Garden of the Gods Rotary Club.
Brian is survived by his wife of 63 years; brother, Keith Miller; sister, Pam Johnson; children, Eric Miller, Kirk Miller (wife Julie), and Lisa Pfeifer (husband Pat); and six grandchildren, Steven Pfeifer (wife Andressa), Ryan Pfeifer, Noah Miller, Kiko Miller, Emma Miller, and Elizabeth Miller. His pride in all of them cannot be measured.
The Miller Family deeply appreciates the professional and loving care provided by the staff at the Healthcare Resort of Colorado Springs. Though we are saddened by Brian's loss, we are filled with gratitude for a life lived fully and finished well.
A Celebration of Life will be held March 13, 11am at the Pinery on the Hill. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the Colorado Parkinson Foundation, Inc., www.co-parkinson.org.