James E. "ed" Miller

James E. "Ed" Miller, 70, of Atkinson, passed away, at his home on August 28, 2013, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on August 5th, 1943 in Lynn, MA to the late Frank E. and Mildred M. (Dezell) Miller. Raised in Reading, Ed graduated from Somerville Trade High School in 1961 and then went on to join the United States Air Force in 1962.

He served in the Strategic Air Command on the 390th Missile Maintenance Squadron at Davis-Monthan AFB, Tucson Arizona and was a recipient of The Air Force Longevity Service Award.

Ed married June Butler, August 15, 1964 at the Old South Methodist Church in Reading and they enjoyed forty-nine years of marriage together. They resided in Tucson until his honorable discharge in October of 1966. The couple purchased their home in Atkinson in 1966 where they have lived for over 46 years.

Ed first worked at the Mobile service station in Haverhill and at the former Western Electric Co. He started up a contracting business called Ridge Electric Corp. of E. Kingston and Atkinson. Later, Ed founded KJ's Electric, Inc. in 1992 and began to serve the community as electrical inspector for 20 years.

Ed served his community well; he served on the Cub Scout Committee of Pack 95 and later as Cubmaster for the 1975 season. In 1977, together, with many of his Scouting associates, he formed the Atkinson Lion's Club and cheerfully served twice as King Lion. He was voted Life Membership in 1991 in recognition for his many years of service and in 2008, he was named a Melvin Jones Fellow.

Ed loved his gardens and talking farming with his friend R.B. Wood. Ed was fond of cooking and eating the big meals with his wife and family on Sundays and holidays. He enjoyed his many trips in his motor home with his wife June. Ed found solace down back in his shop, where he ran his business. During winter storms he could be found plowing out his many friends and customers especially his favorite elderly friends. He enjoyed deep-sea fishing with his friend Cap'n Bob Jones on the Obsession and relived his youth in his restored '55 Chevy Bel-Air.

Ed leaves behind his wife, June and son, Keith E. Miller and his wife Paula all of Atkinson, daughter Karen McLendon and her husband Carl of Meredith, NH. grandchildren, Zachary, Taryne and Autumn, two sisters, Judith Jackson of Hampden, MA, Doris Miller of Laconia, NH and brother, Paul Miller of Dublin, NH and many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. Uncle Ed loved his nieces and nephews from all over the country. Memorial donations can be made to the Atkinson Lion's Club, P.O. Box 125, Atkinson, NH or to The Atkinson Police Charitable Fund, P.O. Box 484, Atkinson, NH.

Relatives and friends may call on Saturday, August 31, 2013 from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. at Brookside Chapel & Funeral Home, 116 Main St, Route 121A, Plaistow A procession will begin at 12:30 p.m. at the funeral home with a graveside service at 1 p.m. in Atkinson Cemetery and concluding with Military Honors.