Miles, James M. 1944 - 2020

MILES, BOWER, PITT, LOGAN

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 5/19/2024 at 21:00:42

James Martin Miles, age 75, of Decorah, Iowa, died August 8, 2020 at his home in Decorah, where he lived the past four years. He was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia last year. His previous residences were in Springfield, VA, and Mercer Island and Bellevue, WA.

A Celebration of Jim’s life will be held in the Bellevue area at later date.

Jim was born October 30, 1944 in San Francisco, CA, the son of Dr. William “Bill” and Jean (Bower) Miles. He grew up in Redwood City, CA and graduated from Sequoia High School with the class of 1962, where he was an All-American swimmer. He graduated from the University California, Berkeley in 1966 with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science. He was a member of the Cal Bears water polo team. He then graduated from the University of Wisconsin Law School, Madison in January 1970. He served as secretary-treasurer and president of the Student Bar Association. He was a member of the Wisconsin Bar Association and was instrumental in the development of the Legal Education Opportunities Program, which, 50 years later, continues to provide scholarships and promote diversity among the student body.

Jim was admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court, 1973. He retired as attorney with the U. S. Dept. of Health, Education & Welfare (now the Dept. of Health & Human Services). He served in Washington, DC, 1970-74, and then in the Seattle, WA regional office from 1974 to retirement. Jim specialized in civil rights & Native American law.

During high school and college summers, Jim coached youth swim teams; in later years, he was a Master swimmer and triathlete. He coached the Hawks/Wailers Mercer Island High School rec soccer team for the '88 season.

He enjoyed road trips exploring the United States and making friends along the way. He enjoyed hiking, classical music, and history. He was a Board Member of Chopin – Seattle Chamber Music Society (classical music board). Some of the philanthropic activities he was involved with included Port Townsend Aero Museum, Museum of Northern Arizona, Hoover Presidential Foundation in West Branch, IA, Winneshiek County Historical Society, Hillsdale College, and St. Labre Indian School.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Robert.

Jim is survived by sons, Nate and Tim; former wife, Donna Miles Pitt; sister Mary Logan, brother John, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorials can be to your favorite charity, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Winneshiek County 4-H, 325 Washington Street, Suite B, Decorah, IA 52101 or Museum at Warm Springs, 2189 Highway 26, P.O. Box 909, Warm Springs, OR 97761.

Remembrances mailed to the Miles family at PO Box 219-108, Duvall, WA 98019.

Source: Fjelstul Funeral Home database