Jacob Miller

Miller, Jacob P.

February 9, 1945 – June 12, 2025

Of Mission, TX and Buffalo, NY entered into rest at home

suddenly and unexpectedly on June 12, 2025. Beloved husband

of Christine Balboni, Captain, US Coast Guard (ret); devoted

father of Taiette and Joshua Miller; loving son of the late Charles

H. and Bette (Zimmer) Miller; dear brother of Charles H. Miller Jr.

and Jennifer McDonell. Also survived by sister-in-law Catherine

Colomberti (Randy); nieces and nephews: Colin McDonell

(Caroleigh), Vanya McDonell (Jeremy), Nicole Wrisley, Anthony

Colomberti (Jackie), Robert Colomberti, Kelly Colomberti and

other family; US Coast Guard shipmates, and friends from the

many locations he lived, and is especially missed by his adoring

animal companions Rudy and Riley.

He was born in San Diego, CA. Upon high school graduation, he

enlisted in the US Army, serving as a mechanic for one tour in

Hawaii. After a break in service, he enlisted in the US Coast

Guard, serving mainly on Patrol Boats and Shore Rescue

Stations on the West Coast, where he was instrumental in

maritime search and rescue operations that saved many lives.

He taught at the prestigious National Search and Rescue School

at Governors Island, NY. His in-depth expertise in maritime

Search and Rescue was subsequently employed service-wide to

streamline and standardize maritime search and rescue

operations. He retired in 1991 as a Chief Warrant Officer (CWO3)

Boatswain.

Once retired, he eagerly embraced his role as a military spouse,

supporting his wife’s active duty military career for the next two

decades. During this time, he also earned bachelor’s and

master’s degrees at George Mason University, performed

volunteer work at nonprofit organizations, took numerous art,

cooking and music classes, brewed beer, surfed, sailed, golfed,

bird-watched, cycled and played tennis. He especially loved to

play bridge, poker and chess. He made an art of enjoying retired

life, traveling the world via cruise ship, and exploring the United

States via travel trailer.

No prior visitation. Celebration of Life will be held at the

convenience of family. If desired, donations may be made in

Jacob’s name to Pelican Harbor Seabird Station in Miami, FL, and

Shake-a-Leg Miami, FL.

Arrangements by LOMBARDO FUNERAL HOME (Southtowns Chapel).