Jacqueline Kay “Jacquie” (Miller) James

Jacqueline Kay “Jacquie” (Miller) James passed from this life and on to her heavenly home on January 20, 2024, at the age of 88. Born in Canton, OH on July 27, 1935, Jacquie is preceded in death and greeted in Heaven by her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, her beloved husband of 38 years, Robert “Bob” James, her mother and father, David and Alice Miller, and many loved ones.

Jacquie was a graduate of Louisville High School (Louisville, OH) and attended Northwestern University (Evanston, IL). Jacquie met Bob upon returning home for a visit, while out bowling with friends. When their eyes met, you could say it was like that Linda Ronstadt song, “Just One Look.” They were married in August of 1956 and began building their life together.

From the years 1957-1967, Bob and Jacquie welcomed four children into their world: Patti Jo (1957), Jeffrey David (1959), Michael David (1961) and Alisha Kay (1967). In the summer of 1970, they moved from Louisville, OH to Hollywood, FL where new family adventures awaited them.

Jacquie graduated from the Broward County Police Academy in 1975 and became Cooper City’s first female officer, accomplishing this feat at the age of 40. Jacquie would go on to spend 28 years on the police force in Cooper City, FL.

Jacquie was an advocate for Drug Abuse Resistance Education and led the campaign as an affiliate of the D.A.R.E. program for kids in her hometown. Jacquie was an optimist mom at sporting events and a band parent at high school football games. Jacquie delivered donuts for fundraising events and played the piano on Sunday church services at the South Florida State Hospital. On every Easter Sunday, you could find Jacquie at Hollywood Beach celebrating Sunrise Service. And likewise, at every Cooper City Founder’s Day gathering, you could count on Jacquie to hand out breakfast. Jacquie and Bob loved Cooper City, even to the point of Bob, acting annually as Santa Claus, riding through the community on a local fire truck with toys in hand for kids lining the sidewalks and those awaiting the sound of the siren.

Jacquie never turned anyone away. Whether that person needed a meal, her help, a shoulder to cry on, or just wanted a cold glass of her famous iced tea, Jacquie’s arms and her heart were always open. Everyone around the community, from kids to adults, knew that Jacquie was always there for them. Especially her family.

Among the many people and hobbies that were dear to her heart, Sebring Camp was one of Jacquie’s strongest passions. Since her early childhood, Jacquie’s parents and grandparents would set aside 10 days each summer to attend Sebring Interdenominational Holiness Camp in Sebring, OH. This sojourn each July has been a staple among Jacquie’s family for over a century. Even this past July, you could find Jacquie at Sebring Camp sharing the Gospel of Jesus with her great-grandchildren. Sebring was an extremely special place for Jacquie and held incredibly precious memories to her. 

Left to cherish Jacquie’s memory and carry on her legacy are her four children; Patti Jo Wells and husband Tony of Coral Springs, FL, Jeff James of Dawsonville, GA, Mike James and wife Anne of Oklahoma City, OK, and Alisha Sylvestri and husband Gary of Cumming, GA. Jacquie is also survived by her sister Joyce Hamilton and husband Don of Irmo, SC, stepson Bob James of Carrollton, OH, along with several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and countless others who called Jacquie “friend.”

Jacquie’s request was to be cremated. A memorial service will be held at Sebring Camp at a later date with her ashes, along with Bob’s ashes at her request, present at the service. In lieu of flowers, Jacquie requested that donations be made to Sebring Interdenominational Holiness Camp, 895 North Johnson Road, Sebring, Ohio 44672 or at sebringcamp.org. Heartfelt thanks to the home care Jacquie received during her final months from her incredibly special nurses and, most of all, Alisha and Gary.