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In Memory Of

Master James Thomas Miller (Jim or YODA), Age 83, of Butte

March 27, 1938 – March 2, 2022

James Miller, age 83, of Butte Montana passed away in the comfort of his own home with his family at his side on Wednesday March 2, 2022, late morning.  Exactly one year from his beloved wife’s passing.

James was born March 27, 1938 in Dixon, Illinois to Wilma Overturf and Andrew Miller. He was an incredible loving individual. He met his wife Karen (Tutu) at a young age. James and Karen were married 1967 in Coeur d’Alene Idaho. James was a single dad and family man with five children at the time of their marriage. He and Karen had one child together from their marriage, a son, Carl J. Miller who preceded him in death in 1988. James was involved in Motocross with his son Carl.  James was a loving father and provider for his family. James worked at the Butte post office as a sorter and retired after 25 years of service. He acquired Rocky Mountain Martial Arts of Butte, Mt in 1987. In 1990 he owned RMMA and taught many children and adults within the 25 years of owning and teaching Tae kwon do until 2014 when he ended his journey as owner of the RMMA Club as a Master in Tae kwon do but would often go to the club and help instruct the classes.

James had a selfless heart and always helped the children in the community through the Rocky Mountain Martial Arts. Within this he always adopted a family in need and had his club provide for one family in the community to help celebrate Christmas. He also helped his grandsons Garrett Alan and Robert Miller (RJ) reach to 3rd Dan black belt and granddaughter-in-law Francesca Miller get her 1st degree Dan Black belt. James helped many more people reach their goals in the world of Taekwondo and taught many life lessons such as never giving up and finding their indomitable spirit for success in Taekwondo and in life events. James was also involved in Big Brothers and Big Sisters for a short period of time.  James had a huge role in the Montana Democrat Party.

In addition to his beloved wife Karen and son Carl, he was preceded in death by his parents, brothers – Gene (Betty) Miller, Don (Mary) Miller, Kenny (Marie) Miller, Bill Miller and sister Bonnie Miller. James is survived by his children, James (Colleen) Miller of Butte, Garrett (Cathy) Miller of Butte, Tina (Gordan) Mellott of Spokane, Washington, Jody Tiedermann and Shelly Tiedermann. He is also survived by numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, extended family and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday March 12, 2022, at 11am at Star Lanes Bowling Center. Address 4601 Harrison Ave, Butte, MT.

In lieu of buying flowers, we would much more appreciate if you would bring pictures and memories of Master James Miller.

Interment of his cremated remains will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Anaconda, MT at a later time.

Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of Jim.

Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Jim and his family.

Service Schedule

Celebration of His Life

11:00 a.m.

Saturday March 12, 2022

Star Lanes Bowling Center

4601 Harrison Ave.

Butte, Montana 59701

View map

Service Schedule

Celebration of His Life

11:00 a.m.

Saturday March 12, 2022

Star Lanes Bowling Center

4601 Harrison Ave.

Butte, Montana 59701

View map

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  1. Vicki (Roberts) Dahlgren says

    March 3, 2022 at 5:12 pm

    I’m sorry to hear about Uncle Jim’s passing. I remember meeting him for the first time in 1985, followed by several newfound relatives. My Prayers go out to the family. May he rest in peace with his beloved wife and son.
    1 Thessalonians 4:13-15 “We do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep.”

  2. Moriah Kelso says

    March 3, 2022 at 5:38 pm

    So sorry to hear about your loss. Master miller was a great teacher and friend to me and my family. We know he is in a better place with his wife. He will be missed and loved forever.

  3. Shelly Rogers says

    March 3, 2022 at 6:19 pm

    Rest In Peace.
    Your daughter Shelly Tiedemann Rogers
    Waco Texas

  4. STACY PETTERSEN says

    March 3, 2022 at 8:08 pm

    Tina Gordon Gordie Scott( Aquasha), Amanda,Jacob and Samuel and all of his grand babies!! I’m sorry for your loss and always remember he loved you all!! Words DONT express the Love but I know he loved each and everyone of you the same!!

  5. Vicki says

    March 4, 2022 at 9:02 am

    Prayers to all of you for your loss. Our family has lost too many in a year. I know since aunt Tutu passed, this has brought Tina closer to her dad. I am so sorry you have to go through this and be so far away. He loved you, and all his kids. Just know he is in peace with Tutu and Carl.

  6. Susie Berger says

    March 4, 2022 at 7:22 pm

    Very sorry Master Miller passed. I believe he changed the path my son Jake was on. He helped my son achieve 2 black belts and Jake’s attitude about everything. He was a great leader and mentor.

  7. Pascoe family says

    March 5, 2022 at 9:32 am

    Sorry for your loss! Master Miller was a great person and did a wonderful job with all the kids. He was teacher, friend and counselor for Will (Billy). He was very upset to hear about his passing. He will be missed.

  8. prudence cooper says

    March 11, 2022 at 12:31 am

    Jim was a wonderful brother in law, He will be missed,but always remembered. My Blessings to his family..I miss my sister Karen, It is hard, but we live with are memories..Garret, Jimmie, Tina,hugs to you

  9. Ida reighard says

    March 11, 2022 at 7:27 am

    A true gentleman and dear friend. I am better for knowing him. Until we meet again Jim

  10. Roger Chadwick says

    March 12, 2022 at 6:07 am

    I had the pleasure of working at the PO with Jim and coming up the ranks in Tae Kwon Do with him. After Mr Miller took over RMMA I earned my black belt under him and taught at the club until back problems forced me to retire. He was my sensei and my friend for over 40 years and will be sorely missed. Jim was an exceptional human being with a passion for Tae Kwon Do and kids and he had a positive effect on hundreds of Buttes kids and adults. I’m a better person for having known him. RIP

  11. Curt and Jeanette says

    March 15, 2022 at 5:34 pm

    So sorry to hear this sad news! We would visit Jim sometimes ….we live close by the Rocky Montain Martial arts building! He was a incredible Guy! May his family and loved ones know how much he was loved by all who knew him.

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Service Schedule

Celebration of His Life

11:00 a.m.

Saturday March 12, 2022

Star Lanes Bowling Center

4601 Harrison Ave.

Butte, Montana 59701

View map

Share

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Send flowers

Please visit the floral shop page for assistance in choosing a local florist.

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