PHILIPSBURG – James David “J.D.” Miller, 77, of Philipsburg, PA passed from earth on Thursday, May 23, 2024, to his eternal home in Heaven and into the presence of Jesus Christ, his personal Savior; who he knew, loved and served for many years. He had accepted the Lord as a young boy and was an active member of the Smethport G.A.R.B. Baptist Church, Smethport.

James David, better known as “JD”, was born on Jan. 27, 1947, in Kane, a son of the late James F. and Jessie C. (Oviatt) Miller, who instilled a faith in the Lord Jesus Christ in him at an early age.

JD graduated from Smethport High School in 1964. While residing in Smethport, he served as Sunday School superintendent, teacher, a bus driver for DVBS and church services and was a member of the choir.

He was employed with Montgomery Ward in Olean, N.Y. and he attended Practical Bible Training School in Binghamton, N.Y.

JD relocated to South Carolina where he resided for 13 years. He was employed at a Christian children’s home and as a security officer at a Christian college. He was also employed with local auto dealerships

where he was at one point a supervisor of a car rental department. While in South Carolina, he served as a choir director with the Antreville Baptist Church. During this time, he also graduated with an Associate

Degree in agriculture from Tri-County Tech, an institution affiliated with Clemson University.

JD relocated back to Pennsylvania and accepted a position driving school bus for the Bradford School District for 16 years. He then drove bus for another 10 years with Cen-Clear Child Services.

JD loved NASCAR, attending car shows and visiting with folks and singing to them in their homes. He loved to bring a “little sunshine” to their lives. His parents had a 75 acre farm and he loved the farming

life and anything affiliated with the John Deere brand. JD had a side business baling hay; which also kept him busy.

When he was in his 30th year of his Christian Musical Concert Ministry, he met Annette Woodside Smith and she joined him in that ministry. Together they played dozens of musical concerts a year in local nursing homes, churches and at other celebrations. JD and Annette were married on Aug. 17, 2012, and she survives at home.

JD is also survived by his beloved daughter, Loretta Jean (Bryon) Erickson, and three grandchildren, Jacob, Julianna and Emma Erickson, all of Jacksonville, N.C.; step-grandchildren, Kevin (Carrie)

Smith, of Philipsburg, and Kerry Smith and Caleb Smith, both of Nashville, Tenn.; step-great-grandchildren, Cameron and Sadie Smith; a brother, Terry (Mara) Miller, of Smethport; three nieces:

Bridget King, Marcy (William) Cushman and Terri (Gabe) Davis; a nephew, James (Suzanna) Miller; as well as great-nieces and nephews; cousins and numerous other extended family members.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at 11 a.m. at the Bible Baptist Church, 255 Front St., Philipsburg, with Pastor Lael Duey, officiating.

Visitation will be at the church on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.

JD will be laid to rest in Norwich Cemetery, (Colegrove) Smethport.

Memorial contributions, in lieu of flowers, may be made in JD’s memory to the Bible Baptist Church, 255 Front St., Philipsburg, PA 16866.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Sam and Barb Gunter, (who are cousins but more like siblings); Janet Shoemaker; and Dean and Renee Domanick (who are like our children without the adoption papers); for all of their hard work, time, travel and dedication to JD and Annette.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Beezer-Heath Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 719 E. Spruce St., Philipsburg.

Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.beezerheathfh.com.