Jack J. Miller

John J. “Jack” Miller, age 87 of Park Ridge, IL passed away peacefully on September 4, 2022 with his family beside him. Jack is survived by his loving wife of 64 years Janet née Cormack. He will be deeply missed by his devoted children, Carey (Michael), Peter (Diane), Elise (Daniel), and Matthew (Heather), and loving grandchildren, Chanel, Zachary, Meghan (Arman), Sara, Patrick, Kevin, Andrew, Grace, Nora, and Charlotte, and 4 great grandchildren.

Born on January 28,1935 in Chicago, IL to William F., and Helen (Nellie) “Toots” Miller, he was brother to William J. (Lorraine), and Thomas F. (Eleanor). Jack graduated from Fenwick High School in Oak Park, IL (1952), and St. Joseph College in Rensselaer, IN (1956). It was in Oak Park that he met his lifelong love and constant companion, Janet Cormack. They married in 1958, spent 61 happy years in Park Ridge, IL with their family and friends, and celebrated 64 years of marriage this past June.

After moving to Park Ridge in 1961, Jack and Jan enjoyed many years of wonderful times with dear friends and family always at their side. His wife Jan (Janet, née Cormack), and his children Carey (Michael) Marcinak, Peter (Diane Zehnder), Elise (Daniel) Freier, and Matthew (Heather Mazure), and loving grandchildren Chanel, Zachary, Meghan (Arman), Sara, Patrick, Kevin, Andrew, Grace, Nora, and Charlotte, and four great grandchildren, Erin, Aurora, Graham, and Quinn, as well as in-laws, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Friendship and family were always his passion. 

Jack and Jan treasured their time each night catching up on their day with a relaxing chat and a cocktail before dinner. Jack was always seeking the company of others for a game of golf, or a party (their annual New Year’s Eve party was legendary).  He especially loved celebrating with family and friends over a meal and a few drinks, and was always ready with an eloquent toast and prayer. 

Jack and Jan were dedicated to their Catholic faith. They were very active in the Mary Seat of Wisdom Church community and school, singing in the church choir, their prayer group of many years, Christian Family Movement, Chez Paree productions, and the Cumberland Woods men’s golf league.  

He loved times at “the cottage” at Rock Lake in Wisconsin, where he was always surrounded by his loving family and friends. It’s where they hosted an annual “Miller Open” golf tournament for over 20 years. 

He loved the city of Chicago and all its sports teams. He was thrilled to finally see his Cubs win a World Series.

He was dedicated to his work as a founding partner of Brown Miller Ltd., a manufacturer’s rep for Chicago Faucets and other related companies, and formed many true friendships with his work acquaintances. Jack also had a love for inventing new product ideas, such as his famous “drinking glove”.  He often pulled his list of inventions from his wallet to find interested family members to join in a joint venture.

He was active politically, as chairman of the Homeowners Party in Park Ridge, eventually serving as an alderman. He and Jan loved traveling, and were members of the Sister Cities program. As part of the program, they hosted and visited Kinver, England many times. They were also involved with The Foundation for International Cooperation (FIC), which gave them countless opportunities to visit other countries and host friends from all over the world.  

We will forever cherish our wonderful memories of the moments Jack filled our lives with his special charm, dashing smile, kind words, and love. He was a gentle, caring, loving, and genuine man. We will always miss him dearly.   

Visitation Friday, September 9, 3-8 p.m. at Ryan-Parke Funeral Home, 120 S. Northwest Hwy., Park Ridge. Funeral Saturday, 9:45 a.m. from funeral home to Mary, Seat of Wisdom Church. Mass 10:30 a.m. Interment Town of Maine Cemetery.  

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jack's name to the Township of Maine Food Pantry or the Park Ridge Community Church Lending Closet.

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