In Remembrance Of
Joe Miller
Joe Miller was born in Walla Walla, Washington on July 20, 1948, passed away after a long battle with Parkinsons on December 10, 2024.
Joe grew up in Phoenix, Arizona where his father worked as a master carpenter. While growing up, his father passed on his carpentry skills, and Joe used them to make beautiful wood artifacts. During this time, Joe also learned to tinker with cars and trucks. In recent years Joe loved to attend car shows and to tinker with his pride and joy, a 1948 Ford truck.
Joe graduated from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism in Evanston, Illinois, and Northwestern University’s Navy ROTC program. He flew for the Navy from 1970-1978. He instructed in the T-28 and flew the US-2, C-117, C-131, and CT-39. While flying the C-117 in the Far East, Joe became a Cubi Dog Centurion having completed over one hundred missions at Mama Lee’s in Taegu, Korea. He was hired by Braniff in 1978 and was a “plumber” on the DC-8 out of Miami to South America, until he got caught by the furlough in 1980. Joe worked with his dad for a couple of years building a custom home near Phoenix, then worked at Motorola’s Tactical Electronics Division for two years. Joe went back to the Far East with the Navy from 1986-1987 flying the C-12, then returned to Braniff 2 as a Captain on the B737 in 1988. This time, Joe’s Braniff career lasted all the way to bankruptcy in 1989. Joe joined America West in 1990 and served as Captain on the B737 and A320. In 1992, Joe went through a final furlough as America West went through bankruptcy. He was recalled to America West in 1993, after a brief period of flying for Ryan International, and medically retired in 2008 from US Airways, which by this time had merged with America West. Joe retired from the Navy in 1996 at the rank of Captain.
Joe is survived by his wife Caryn, and their two children, Jacob and his wife Lindsay with their two children Adalei and Ember, Robyn and her wife Melissa with their two children Evan and Sonder, as well as his sister Marilyn Owendoff and her husband Jim and their two sons, Joe’s nephews, Nathan and John and their families.
He will be missed greatly by all whose lives he touched.
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Comments & condolences
5 comments
Rod Brackin
I was so fortunate to have had the pleasure of flying with Joe numerous trips at America West. As mentioned above, his dry humor is one of the things I remember most. When things did not go well on a trip, I knew I could count on Joe to put it all in perspective with his wicked humor. He did not have the career path he would like to have had, but not once did I hear him complain. He was the consummate gentleman and superior aviator. My life is better for having known him. My deepest condolences.
Gary Keaster
Condolences to Joe’s family for their loss. I was very fortunate to fly with Joe at Braniff flying the LAD. He was a great guy and a pleasure to be around. He enjoyed life and was a positive effect on all who met him.
Via Con Dios my friend.
Susan Keatts
Such a great picture of Joe in uniform during better, healthy times. I most enjoyed Joe’s rather dry humor. He was my cousin, and he used to say, “You know, you’re my favorite cousin.” I’d reply, “I bet you say that to all your cousins.” Better not tell the other cousins about this, just in case. I’ll miss him, and my heart is full for those who knew and loved him best. ❤️
Janet McVay
Caryn, deepest sympathies to you and your family. May Joe rest in peace now. Hugs!
Carol Douglas
I consider myself lucky to have known Joe. Sincere condolences to Joe’s family.