|
Photos
courtesy of Zia Miller |
|||
|
Chamber Names Cattleman of the Year
Ross Cunningham
Miller is a 5th-generation Matagorda County rancher who runs cattle on land that has been in the family since 1836. "Jack has been ranching for over 50 years and is really honored to be chosen Cattleman of the Year. Cattlemen never retire and my husband loves what he does," said Zia Miller. The Millers live in Matagorda County and have two sons and five grandchildren. "Our honoree has been the president of Miller Brothers Land and Cattle since 1961, managing partner of Miller Ranch and manager of D. H. Braman Jr., with interests in Matagorda County," said Knapik. "He is a good steward of his land and employs sound practices in conservation of water resources, weed control of various approved methods and overall general ranch maintenance. He breeds and retains replacement heifers and is a highly respected friend and appreciated property neighbor." Miller is a member of the Matagorda County Cattlemen's Association and Texas Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association. The Texas Game Warden Association honored him in 1990 for his distinguished efforts in promoting conservation for future generations. The Independent Cattlemen's Association has also honored him for years of support of their scholarship program. He is also a member of the Matagorda County Historical Commission, Matagorda County Museum Association, and Matagorda County Chapter of the Sons of the Republic of Texas. He is a member of Christ Episcopal Church in Matagorda. "He is a private individual who avoids personal recognition. This good citizen has been involved in projects that have brought economic impact to Matagorda County. If asked about his ranching business, such as how many acres or how many head of cattle he has, in a gentlemanly way he has been heard to answer, 'Oh enough to keep us busy.'" said Knapik.
Matagorda County Advocate, March 4, 2004 |
|||
|
When one is asked to promote or support a conservation effort, the complete story is seldom told. This trend continues and rings true in the case of the Matagorda County branch Ducks Unlimited. I'll begin this story like all others; where in the beginning you must identify characters, legends, and visionaries. I can capture all with just three names: Jack Miller, John Runnells II, and Stephen Fair. There are others, but to define what conservation is and the importance on how it relates to our heritage can be defined by these three men. Jack Miller of Miller Ranches I'm not sure how many of you have had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Miller, but I assure you this, the world would be a much better place with more people like Jack Miller in it. I have met very few individuals that I respect and admire more. The pride that both he and his wife, Zia, have in their property and friendships is quite simply the model of what we should all strive for and hope to emulate. I have viewed from the porch of their ranch house beautiful whitetails and literally witnessed thousands of migratory waterfowl covering their fields. Jack has served as a Deputy Game Warden with Texas Parks and Wildlife and was a 2010 recipient of the John Runnells II "Good Steward Award."
2013 Matagorda County Ducks Unlimited Banquet |
|||
|
Jackson Ormand “Jack” Miller Jr., 77, of Bay City, TX, formerly of Victoria, TX, died Saturday, September 17, 2016, after a long struggle with Parkinson’s. He was born December 7, 1938 in Victoria, to the late Jack O. Miller and Ellen Braman Miller. He was a lifelong member of the Episcopal Church. He was a rancher, conscientious property owner and conservationist, who was particularly interested with the improvement of the wildlife habitat of the ranches. Jack’s favorite place to be was “on the Miller Ranch west of the River.” He is survived by his wife, Zia Crowell Miller. They married January 27, 1962 in Louise, TX. He is also survived by sons, Jackson O. Miller III and his wife Jamie Becker of Seymour, TX, and Daniel Carl Miller of Bay City; brother, Stephen S. Miller and his husband Norman Miller of Chicago, IL; grandchildren, Catherine Elizabeth Newell, Alicia Margaret Miller, Daniel Carl Miller Jr., Sgt. Kerah Marlene Miller - United States Army, and Jackson Ormand Miller IV; and four great-grandchildren. Jack was preceded in death by his twin brother, Daniel Braman Miller. He retired after 35 years of employment with his cousin D. H. Braman Jr. of Refugio. The family received friends and relatives from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m., Monday, September 19, 2016, at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home in Bay City. The Rev. Brad Sullivan conducted the funeral service at 4, p.m. Tuesday, September 20, 2016, at the Hawley Cemetery pavilion, followed with interment at the gravesite. Pallbearers were Eddie Ford, Chuck Frankson, Matthew Dodd, Travis Dodd, Randy Duncan, D. Wayne Beal, Tyler Adams, Colt Adams and Adam Sneary. Honorary pallbearers included Dan Wendt, Clay Shock, John L. Prince, Robby Schrader, Burt Williams, Pat Jurek, George Deshotels, Johnny Bush and Caesar Morales Jr. For the past four years, Jack has been respectfully cared for by a dedicated staff and special loving care-givers at the Matagorda Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. He passed away peacefully with his wife of 54 years holding his hand. In lieu of flowers, consider contributions to Christ Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 673, Matagorda, Texas 77457, or a charity of your interest. You might consider supporting Matagorda County Cattlemen and the beef producers, by enjoying a good rib-eye steak. Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.taylorbros.net. Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home, Bay City, Texas. 979-245-4613.
Bay City Tribune,
September 21, 2016 |
|||
 Jack O. Miller (1912 - 1992) He and his wife raised quarter horses. |
|||
 |
|||
 |
|||
 |
|||
 |
|||
|
|||
|
|
|||
 |
|||
 |
|||
 |
Jack O. Miller, Jr. was named Bay City Chamber of
Commerce and Agriculture Cattleman of the Year on Feb. 26 by chamber
President Richard Knapik at the Matagorda County Fair and Livestock
Show.
