John William

Miller

Obituary

The Life, The Love, The Legacy

of

Captain John W. Miller

January 27th, 1930 ~ July 29th, 2018

J ohn William Miller was born on January 27th, 1930 in Englewood, New Jersey to William B. Miller and Lucille Steward Miller. He departed this life to be with the Lord on July 29th, 2018.

John Miller was raised in the city of Englewood and he attended the Englewood Public School System.  He later enlisted in the United States Army during the Korean War and married the love of his life, Joan Elizabeth Waddell shortly after enlisting at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He served almost half of his time in England and was honorably discharged in 1953 with the rank of Sergeant.

In 1959, he joined the Englewood Police Department as a Special Officer and became a sworn Police Officer in October 1961. In August 1966, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. In June 1969, he was promoted to Lieutenant. In August 1971, he was elevated to the rank of Captain, where he was assigned as the Captain of the Uniformed Patrol Division.

Captain Miller, affectionately known as "Cap" was a trailblazer in the city of Englewood and Bergen County. He had the distinction of being one of the first African-Americans to obtain the rank of Sergeant, Lieutenant and Captain. His sacrifice and commitment to his beloved community opened the door of opportunity for many who followed in his footsteps.

He was known around town for his fabulous gold jewelry (his "Mr. T Starter Kit") and his cowboy style police hat.  Twenty-five years ago, Captain Miller began a rigorous exercise program that included taking long walks all over Englewood, no matter the time of day or the weather conditions.  During his walks, he would stop by Englewood Hospital to visit many of his friends from the community and encourage them.  He was such a frequent visitor at the hospital, the Administration of the hospital gave him his own special visitor's pass. He was also known for comforting families at the funeral of hundreds of Englewood residents.

In 1976, when President Jimmy Carter came to Englewood while on the campaign trail, Captain Miller and a few of his officers had the distinction of providing security for President Carter along with several United States Secret Service personnel.

He was the recipient of numerous awards and citations, including the Award for Distinguished Service and Outstanding Leadership from the Bergen County Chapter, National Council of Negro Women, Inc.; a Distinguished Service Award from Shiloh Lodge No. 53 Free and Accepted Masons (Prince Hall Affiliation); the M.W. Prince Hall Grand Lodge Free and Accepted Masons Award; and the City of Englewood 30-Year Career Service Award. He was a member of Shiloh Lodge No. 53 of Free and Accepted Masons (Prince Hall Affiliation), the American Legion Post #58, and the Bergen County Men and Women of Blue.

Captain Miller leaves to celebrate his life his devoted wife of almost sixty-eight years Mrs. Joan E. Miller; son Reverend Barry R. Miller, Pastor of Abyssinian Baptist Church, of Newark, New Jersey, Detective of the Englewood Police department; daughter-in-law Minister Lady Jill Horton-Miller, Esq.; granddaughter Oyana Miller; grandsons Barry R. Miller, Jr. and John William Miller, II; great-grandsons Kelly Miller, Aaron Ramsey, Jr., and Malakai Alexander Miller;  nephews Edward ("Skippy") B. (Tamera) Miller, Jr., Damon White Jr., and Mark Joyce;  nieces Debra L. (Joseph) Miller Tucker  and Pat Alexander; Sister-in-law Brenda McNeal; A host of loving relatives and friends