James Leroy Miller

James Leroy Miller, 80, of Lutz, Fla., passed away on Thursday, Feb. 21, 2013.

James was born March 5, 1932 in Greencastle, to the late Floyd R. and Martha (Haverkamp) Miller.

He served with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and moved to Hillsborough County, Fla., in 1958.

He owned and operated several service stations in Hillsborough County until 1982 when he started an automotive equipment lift service.

He was a former lobbyist for the State and National Gasoline Retailers where he was former state president in Florida.

A life member of the Lions Club, he was a member of numerous civil, and political organizations, and was a well-known civic activist in Hillsborough County.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Bill.

He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Jo (Thralls), and son James L. Jr., both of Lutz; daughter Judy (Kalin) Hall of Sarasota, Fla.; brother Tom (Marcia) of Greencastle; sister Joanne McFarland of Greencastle; four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

A celebration of his life will be held at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, March 2 at VanDyke United Methodist Church in Lutz.

Memorials may be made to USF Health Byrd Alzheimer's Institute, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., MDC70, Tampa, FL 33612, Atn: Holly Lisle.

Condolences for the family may be made online at www.shannonfuneralhomes.com