Obituary of James T. Miller

James Thomas Miller was born on February 23, 1951 to Anna Booker and Walter Bratcher in Philadelphia, PA on Baltimore Ave. He was the 5th of 6 children: Walter Sr., Joyce, Caryln, Delores and Alfred. He was educated in the Philadelphia public school system BOK high school where he studied auto mechanics. He was raised by his mother who was insistent on excellence, respect and academic excellence which he expected from his own children. James spent most of his early years growing up around his siblings and cousins. Sometimes sharing the same house with multiple families. They spend a lot of time in Farmount Park hiking, fishing, swimming and rock fighting. James also loved playing music, mainly jazz. He self-taught himself how to play the flute and playing the saxophone. After high school, his mother the Army where he served in the Vietnam War. James was enlisted as a door gunner. After leaving the Army he began his journey to become a licensed auto mechanic. James loved working with his hands repairing and building everything from HVAC systems to rebuilding transmissions and engines. He would work with his uncle installing and repairing oil furnaces. He once made a picture frame out of toothpicks. James was also part of the Black Liberation Army were he as given the name Kamau. The name is from Kenyan origin which means “silent warrior”. Other family and friends knew him as Jimmy. After many lengthy employment opportunities, James found a job doing what he loved to do at Keystone Tire and Lube. He worked many years providing car service and eventually met his wife Belinda of 26 years. Belinda went to get her car repaired. After leaving, she returned 15 minutes later for a missing hubcap that James purposely left off. James began to laugh and they quickly fell into conversation, exchanging phone numbers. They married on May 15, 1991. They were blessed to raise 4 children together. James K., Marcus, Malik and Subira. After James retired from the Auto Mechanic industry, he found employment at the Washington Township High School where he worked for 13 years. He developed many lifetime relationships an impacted the lives of all the people he met there. James enjoyed traveling with family. Outdoor World was the families favorite vacation destination. James and the family would enjoy camping, fishing, paddle boating playing pool and KungFu movies. James also enjoyed the beach and feeling the sand between his toes. Any opportunity James had to get to the beach, he was going. As the children grew up James and Belinda began to travel, as a loving couple, to Hawaii, Jamaica, and many other destinations. He leaves to celebrate his glorious life, his children: James K. (Amber), Marcus (Latoya), Malik (Shamir), and Subira. His grandchildren who he loved dearly Ciahyna, A’yanna, Jayla, Elijah, Sufiyan, Aniyah, Su’mayah, Melody, Malik Jr. and Quin; and a host of brother, sister, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.