Jim (Gerald R.) Miles, 82, of Galesburg, died peacefully Friday, November 28, 2025.
He was born March 25, 1943, the son of H. Dale and Mayme D. (Poole) Miles, at home in Kelley Township, Warren County, Illinois. He married Linda L. Lawrence on February 12, 1966, in Galesburg.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Linda; two daughters, Stacy L. Miles of Rock Island and Stephanie J. (Richard R.) Ladd of Combined Locks, Wisconsin; three granddaughters, Brittany Ladd, Jessica Ladd, and Lindsay Ladd; a sister, Patricia A. Miles of Galesburg; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Richard Miles and William Miles; and a sister, Donna Cooley.
Jim had a long 46-year career in farm implement sales and service. He began in 1962 with Hutchcraft. On October 21, 1965, he joined Sampson Implement and worked for them for nearly 30 years. He then worked for Kleine Implement in Aledo and Monmouth before retiring in March 2008. He had worked as parts manager, in sales, and retired as sales manager.
He served in the United States Army Reserves from 1964 to 1970. He was a member of AMVETS.
Jim was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church, where he served on church council, on various committees, and drove the church van for many years. He was a volunteer with FISH Food Pantry and he served on the Warren County Hope Cemetery board for a time.
Jim enjoyed tractor pulls. He will be remembered as his neighborhood’s “Mr. Fixit”. His generous spirit will be missed.
The family extends a special thank you to the Wing 2 nurses at Knox County Nursing Home. Your care and concern are deeply appreciated.
Cremation will be accorded. No public visitation or service is planned. Private family burial of remains will be in the Spring of 2026, in Warren County Hope Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Jim’s name may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church or Knox County Nursing Home. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral and Cremation Services is honored to serve the family. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.h-p-w.com.
