Bernard "Jim" Miller

Gwekibines

Chidewiigan Ogichidaa

Bernard James Miller, age 73 of LCO, died Sunday January 18, 2026. 2nd Degree Midewiwin.

Bernard James Miller was born April 5, 1952, in Hayward, WI the son of Clifford and Marie *White* Miller. He was a graduate of Hayward High School, attended Northlakes College, Ashland, WI., and St. Scholastica. Jim was joined in marriage to Kathryn Ann Morrow in 1987 and together raised 3 children, Nick, Cece & Nate, and his favorite sister-in-law Sharon Morrow.  Over his life he wore many hats and influenced all people he met. Jim was a firefighter/EMT for many years and on Oct. 12, 2016, was sworn in as LCO Fire Department Chief. He was respected and known to all fire departments in the area. You could find him on many calls where he was able to help so many people. In his younger days Jim was a counselor at the men*s halfway house, until he started working at the LCO schools as a culture teacher, then he retired to become the Fire Chief. He also served for many years for the LCO Honor the Earth Pow-Wow as head of Security. In 1987 he became drum chief of the Big Drum following the passing of his father. Jim held this position for many years and was one of his greatest roles. He, also along with Cousin Lewis and Duck White began what is the LCO Badger Singers, a well-known Drum group. They traveled to many pow-wows over the span of the last 50 years. One of his last jobs was working at the charter school for young kids whom he enjoyed teaching the youth throughout his years. He became everyone*s favorite teacher and gained lots of respect from all whom he worked with. Jim did indeed wear many hats throughout his time here but his being husband, father, son, brother, cousin, and uncle were his greatest role. He was there for everyone, at any time day or night. Jim had many friends and weh*ehs young and old. He was proud of each one of them. You could count on him always to make you laugh or just feel better about yourself, just being in his presence. Every morning, he made sure to tell everyone to have a *gooder* day and be safe.

Midewiwin Funeral Rites were held at 10:00 A.M. Wednesday January 21, 2026, at Big Drum Ceremonial Center. Chato *Ombishkebines* Gonzalez officiated. Burial was held at Round Lake Cemetery. Visitation began at sundown on Tuesday January 20, 2026, at Big Drum.

He is survived by his sons Nick (Anne Marie) Miller and Nathaniel Miller, grandchildren; Gracie, Lennon, Nicholas and Ningozis; brother Richard *Rick* (Marilyn) Miller; sister Lorraine Ledbeter, Dorothy Miller, Barbara (Frank *Teats*) Lopez & Cindy (Mike) Flechsig; many nephews & nieces.

Jim is proceeded in death by his parents; his wife Kathy; his daughter Sierra; sisters Kathy, Sally, Donna and Elaine; his brother Tom; nephews Robbie, Byran, Richard, Jimo; and niece Alicia.

Honorary casket bearers were Derek Barber, Ervin Cross, Mike DeNasah, John Edley, Mike Flechsig, Frank Lopez II, Bill Morrow, Arnold Rice Sr., Kenneth *Cubbers* Rice, Mike Sullivan, Mat White & LCO Badger Singers.

Casket bearers were Bruce Dennis, Billy Cooper, Frank Lopez III, Thom Malnourie, Donny Morrow & Javier Yanez.