Jack H. Miller, age 93, of Naples, FL and Grand Haven, MI died on April 2, 2025. Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Howard C. and Martha (Muller) Miller; the mother of his children, Betty R. Miller; as well as an infant son, Roderick Miller.
Jack is survived by three children, Susan (Tom) DenHerder, Howard “Buzz” (Lisa) Miller, and Margaret “Meg” (Greg) Willit, as well as his grandchildren Martha (Phil) Menerick, Matt (Katie) DenHerder, Felicia Flores, Kenneth Mills, Nathan Willit, and Andrew Willit. Jack had five great grandchildren, Ellie, James, Benjamin, Christian, and Maximus. In addition to his children, Jack is survived by his siblings, Connie (Lenard) Johnston and Phillip (Nancy) Miller. Jack is also survived by his loving friend and companion of many years, Susan Horsfall.
Jack, an owner of Howard Miller Company, held a senior management position with the company for 48 years; the last 28 as President and CEO. Jack served on the company board until his death. Howard Miller Company is a West Michigan manufacturer of clocks and residential furniture. The company also manufactures contract furniture for the dormitory, assisted living and hotel industry.
Jack was known locally for his leadership and philanthropy. He served as a corporate director on the First Michigan Bank Board (now Huntington Bank) and served as a Director and Chair of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce. Jack’s community service included time on the Aquinas College Board, Davenport University Foundation Board, Pine Rest Board and Rest Haven Board, and served as Grand Rapids Art Museum Trustee, Grand Rapids Symphony Trustee and Honorary Life Board Member, GVSU Foundation Trustee and Advisory Cabinet, Michigan Botanic Garden Foundation Trustee, Director and Chair of Zeeland Community Hospital, and as a consistory member at Second Reformed Church in Zeeland.
Jack received numerous awards during his lifetime including the Grand Rapids Symphony Bravo Award (1999), Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame (2003), GVSU Enrichment Award (2007), and Resthaven Good Shepherd Award (2008).
Jack’s philanthropic contributions include Hope College’s Jack H. Miller Center for Musical Arts, Grand Rapids Art Museum’s Miller Veranda, GVSU Seidman Center’s Jack H. Miller Wing and a floor named in his honor in the new GVSU Daniel and Pamella DeVos Center for Interprofessional Health.
Jack, along with Fred and Lena Meijer in their mutual interest in Dale Chihuly, purchased Frederik Meijer Garden’s “Gilded Champagne Gardens Chandelier” in 2003. Jack collected artwork from some of the most noted glass artists in the world. Jack’s collection is being donated to the Grand Rapids Art Museum for the community to enjoy.
Jack made a significant gift to Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital for them to offer a leading-edge technology in neuroscience called Magnetoencephalography (MEG). This technology will lead the way in care for patients with epilepsy and brain tumors. The hospital named the 6th floor of the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, a floor dedicated to neurosciences care, in honor of Jack.
One of Jack’s final gifts was to help Western Theological Seminary launch a trauma informed Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Graduates from this program will become licensed therapists and be deployed to alleviate the rising mental health crisis in the country.
Jack served in Army Intelligence during the Korean War. He graduated from Zeeland High School in 1950 and Hope College in 1954. He had a life-long passion for sailing and boating on the Great Lakes.
Upon the opening of the Jack H. Miller Center for Musical Arts at Hope College, Jack expressed his love of music with the following quote:
“We live in a world where every day we see and hear of hardships and suffering around the world. We are torn apart by war, violence, sickness and sadness. Music is a place we can turn to find comfort and enjoyment; a way we can leave behind our worries and quietly enjoy the peace and relaxation music can provide, if only for a brief respite.”
There will be a time of visitation on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at Second Reformed Church, 225 E. Central Ave. Zeeland, Michigan 49464, from 4:00 – 7:00 pm and again at 10:00 am, one hour prior to the service. A memorial service will be held on Friday, April 11, 2025, at 11:00 am, also at Second Reformed Church in Zeeland, Michigan. Private interment at Zeeland Cemetery. Jack has always had a passion to aid the hungry and homeless, and a donation in his memory to one of the many West Michigan charities that serve these needs would be appreciated
To Stream Services: bit.ly/miller041125
15 Responses
Dear Sue, Buzz, and Meg:
I was saddened to hear that your Dad died. May God bless and comfort you as you remember and celebrate his life together. With deepest condolences -Mary Lokers Merrill-
Sue and family: So sorry to hear about Jack leaving us. He left this world a better place. Thank you so much.
Barb & Chris Stafford
To all of Jack Miller’s family,
We also extend our deepest sympathy in the loss of this very special person. While he lived a very good and a very long life, we know his passing will leave a void in your hearts and lives. We pray for God’s peace and comfort in this time of your grieving. May God rest his soul!! Bob and MaryJo DeJong
Jack , was such a cherished person sharing his experience, knowledge and wit. It was always a pleasure visiting with him, his friends and family he will be sorely missed in his many circles of friends and family. God Bless him and all his accomplishment’s.
Patty & Rod Leonard
Diana and I are very proud to have known him…….sorry for your loss……….
The Cramer family was so blessed to be docked by Jack’s boat for many years. Even when he moved to the end of D-Dock, he always had a kind word and inquired about the kids. He was a special man! My sympathies to all of his family.
Jack was a great person. I am glad to have known him and he would always take a moment and say hi to us as he was going to his boat. He will be missed.
We knew Jack as a friendly D dock neighbor. He always had a warm smile and welcoming demeanor. He was a kind and considerate gentleman who took time to chat on D and addressed us by name. Being on the water was his joy for many years. Every man’s death diminishes us.
Matt, our condolences on your grandfather’s passing. While we didn’t know him personally, your friendliness and work at Yacht Basin reflect his spirit.
Jack was a great person. I work with him for a long time. I am glad to have known him. He always had a warm smile and friendly welcoming for everyone. He was gentleman of the old school.
ALL his old German employees from KIENINGER Clocks THANK JACK for been PRESENT AND INVOLVED for a long time. THANK YOU.
May he rest in Peace.
THANKS FOR EVERTING
My sympathies to all of his family
Gerhard Schneider
Our friendship started at the end of D dock in the Yacht Basin Marina. We were both “live a boards” for the summer months. Over the years we have met each others kids, friend’s and stories! As time went on we would meet at 6PM on Fridays for dinner. We have wonderful memories of our friendship.
Our Love Tom & Linda
Jack was such a special man and true friend. He touched so many lives. Our deepest sympathy to his loved ones. He will be sadly missed, especially at birthday time. Heaven will be blessed! Much Love, Donna and Dale
Buzz,
So sorry to hear about your Dad- after reading about his life, wow he has been so impactful in so many ways. Praying for peace coe your family.
Buzz,
On behalf of Tradewinds partners, I extend our deepest condolences on the passing of Jack.
May cherished memories bring comfort during this difficult time. Our thoughts are with you.
– Kent Tam
Buzz,
On behalf of Tradewinds partners, I extend our deepest condolences on the passing of Jack.
May cherished memories bring comfort during this difficult time. Our thoughts are with you.
– Kent Tam