Joe V. Miller

Joe V. Miller of Jackson, California, died suddenly and unexpectedly on October 6, 2016, while on vacation in Texas with his wife, Alicia. "Texas Joe," as he was known, was born November 14, 1945, in Fort Worth, Texas, to parents E. Vanis Miller and Bernice Miller (Keener). He graduated from Richland High School in 1964. His college education at Texas Tech University was interrupted by the Vietnam War, during which he served as an Army medic from 1966-72. His war experiences, which included the TET offensive, left him with a profound compassion and empathy for military veterans. Texas Joe worked for more than thirty-five years in the medical field as a respiratory care practitioner. While working at Stanford Medical Center he met Alicia Giurlani, who also worked there. Joe, who had a quiet, sensitive way about it, was attracted to Alicia's vivacity and her large, boisterous Italian family. "Alicia," he'd say, "get your Italian up!" They were married for thirty-seven years. The couple lived in Menlo Park and Lodi before moving to Jackson in 2000. While in Lodi, Joe served on the San Joaquin County Grand Jury from 1985-1986. He was active at the Sacramento Veterans Center, the Placerville Veterans Center, American Legion Post 108, and Disabled American Veterans. During those years he donated more than twenty gallons of blood. Texas Joe enjoyed raising bonsai and orchids and had a particular passion for music. He collected harmonicas, fifty of them, which he cherished, but not so much as he loved Van Morrison. He and Alicia went to eight Van Morrison concerts over the years. He also loved animals, especially dogs, and enjoyed traveling with his wife around the United States, Mexico and Europe. They must have had friends in high places because in 1995, they were granted a private audience with Pope John Paul II. This was certainly the highlight of their travels. Texas Joe was among the warmest, friendliest of men and devoted companion to all who ventured into the sphere of his influence and love. He flourished throughout his life, having made no small difference to his family and friends and untold numbers of veterans who benefited from his experience and wise counsel. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Dan E. Miller. Survivors include his wife, Alicia; sister, Marilyn Miller McSpadden; mother-in-law, Patricia Giurlani; sisters-in-law, Susan Miller, Teresa Ferrucci, Jenny Giulani and Betty Giurlani; brothers-in-law, Phillip Giurlani, Joseph Giurlani and David McSpadden; nieces, Andrea Franklin, Shelly Murphree and Jennifer Miller Phillips; nephews, Angelo Gonzalez, William Miller, Steve Murphree, Tolld Phillips, Adam Giurlani, Cole Giurlani, Anthony Giurlani and Jake Giurlani; great nephews, Duncan Franklin, Porter Franklin and Gavin Phillips; great nieces, Macy Purphree and Milana Gonzalez; and special cousin Larry Miller, whom Joe considered his brother, and Larry's wife Annette Miller. A military tribute and celebration of life will be held at noon on Wednesday, June 14, 2017 (Flag Day) at Teresa's Place Restaurant, 1235 Jackson Gate Rd. Jackson, CA. We hope that you will share our tears at the loss of such a beloved companion to each of us and that you will find some way to celebrate the impact he made upon your hearts and lives. Please wear something casually patriotic to match the American flag atop Teresa's new flagpole, recently erected in Joe's honor. Donations may be made to A-PAL Second Chance Dog Rescue at P.O. Box 190, Jackson, Ca. 95642, Hospice of Amador and Calaveras Counties at P.O. Box 595, Jackson, CA 95642 or American Legion Post 108 at P.O. Box 964, Sutter Creek, CA 95685.