John Ira Miles, Jr., age 74, of Harrison, MI, formerly of Belleville, MI, passed away early Christmas morning at Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI. He was born May 27, 1949, in Trenton, MI, the son of John Ira Miles, Sr. and Mary Ann (Dunigan) Miles. He graduated from Kennedy High School, Taylor, MI, class of 1967. He married the love of his life, Janice Brenner on August 14, 1970. John worked for General Motors for 32 years, before retiring in 2000. He was a member of the U.A.W. Local #163. He loved to travel and enjoyed camping with his family, making sure his three girls saw all 48 continental states. He was a former member of St. Anthony Catholic Church, Belleville, MI. John and Jan started spending winters in Gulf Shores, Alabama about 7 years ago, where they loved walking the beach together. He enjoyed working out, the outdoors, hunting, and fishing, especially with his grandson. He and Jan were on several bowling leagues over the years. John was a member of the Harrison Moose Lodge. He was an avid reader. He probably had over a thousand books on his Kindle. John also enjoyed woodworking and made numerous things for almost every family member over the years, and many friends too. Most of all, John loved making people happy, telling jokes, or just plain having fun. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Mr. Miles is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Jan, three cherished daughters: Cherie (Jon) Creger of Narrows, Virginia, Rebekah Harkai of Lincoln Park, MI, Sabrina (Kyle) Young of Belleville, MI; four grandchildren: Dayton Howard, Bella Young, Sarah Grace Creger, and Brady Young; a sister Yvonne (Alan) Hale of California, a brother Don Miles of Taylor, MI, also numerous extended family and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, John Sr., and Mary Ann Miles, his in-laws Harry and Virginia Brenner, sister Marilyn Perry, brother Bill Miles, and also a grandson Blake Miles Young.
A Celebration of John’s Life will be held on May 26, 2024. Details will be provided closer to the date.
Arrangements by David C. Brown Funeral Home, 460 E. Huron River Dr., Belleville, MI 48111-2764 (734)697-4500.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association and would be appreciated.
Thank you for keeping John and his family in your thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.