James H. Miller

James Hubbard Miller, 91, of Canandaigua, New York, passed away with his ever-present wife, Emilie, by his side, at their home in Ferris Hills, Canandaigua, on November 4, 2025. This is his first trip without her after 7 decades of marriage, and she is not pleased about it.

Born on June 7, 1934, in Rochester, NY, to Mary Shedd Miller & Edmund Miller, Jim was raised in a lively home with 2 brothers, 4 sisters & a dog. A lifelong tinkerer and inventor, Jim built tree forts, wired an underground clubhouse, rebuilt a 1932 Ford, and became an Eagle Scout before graduating from Brighton High School, Class of '52. He then went east to pursue a Civil Engineering degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where he also joined the NROTC. Upon graduation in 1956 Jim was commissioned an Ensign in the United States Navy, stationed at NAS Pensacola, before being honorably discharged as a Lieutenant JG in 1958.

Jim married his college sweetheart Emilie Vavra on June 29, 1957, and together they raised three sons. Jim's career as a Professional Engineer began at the United Illuminating Co. of New Haven, CT, and continued through 60 years of consulting in the fields of electronics, controls, and mechanical engineering. He co-founded an air conditioning business, Lees & Miller, Inc. of Binghamton. He holds a number of HVAC-related patents including the "Q" Air Terminal - widely used in the conditioning of large venues such as schools, auditoriums and swimming pools, and often specified by architects looking to achieve LEED certification for energy efficiency in buildings. This system was installed in more than a few of the Universities that his Grandchildren attended. He retired from NuClimate Air Quality Systems as VP Engineering in 2018.

Away from work, Jim's community activities included serving as Scoutmaster for BSA Troop 235, was President of the Twin Tiers chapter of ASHRAE professional society, a member of the Binghamton Chapter of Sertoma, and the Building & Property manager and Church Council member for Our Saviour Lutheran Church in Endwell, NY.

Known as "Mr. Fixit" to family & friends, Jim was always ready with a helping hand, a friendly smile and a lifetime of experience to share freely.

In addition to his wife, Jim is survived by sons and daughters-in-law Stephen & Catherine Miller of Liverpool, Eric Miller of Herndon, VA, Gordon & Tracey Miller of Canandaigua; beloved sisters Jean Weber of Brighton, and Pamela Herrnecker of Georgetown, TX; cherished sister-in-law Joyce Fowler and daughter Erika; 7 magnificent grandchildren, 1 great grandchild and many adored nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please pet a dog, be kind to all, and do a good turn daily.