John ‘Jack’ Miller
John “Jack” D. Miller met his maker on his last back road adventure on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. Born on May 20, 1935 in Englewood, New Jersey, Jack migrated north, with family in tow, throughout his career with the New York State Police until he reached the northern border. Once there, he learned to skate and to love the North Country.
Jack was the son of John B. and Hope Holmgren Miller. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Sarah “Sally,” sons David (Janet) and Tim (Lisa), daughters Karen Carre (Ken), Beth Mahoney (David) and Becky, along with four grandchildren, a great granddaughter and several nieces and nephews.
Jack graduated from Rutgers University and served in the U.S. Marine Corp. He retired from the NYS Police in 1980 as the first sergeant of Troop B, shortly after the Lake Placid Olympics. Always an athlete, a highlight was winning a gold medal in the decathlon at the New York Police Olympics. His one career regret was choosing not to attend the famous Soviet Union/U.S. hockey game! After a time as Malone recreation park director, Jack entered the real estate business and ran JD Miller Properties for many years, also serving on the NABOR board of directors. He was known for his love of tromping around acreage with his maps and compass and was a one-time Realtor of the Year award recipient.
Jack was a longtime volunteer and coach with the Malone Minor Hockey Association and was instrumental in the federal grant acquisition for and building of Malone’s first indoor ice arena, as well played in men’s softball leagues and coached Little League baseball. He received awards from the NYS Division for Youth and from the Moose Association for his service to the youth of the community. He was a Malone Rotary member, former Malone school board member, former Habitat for Humanity board member, as well as other local boards.
Calling hours will be held Saturday, Nov. 23 from noon to 3 p.m., immediately followed by a funeral service, at Frary Funeral Home in Malone. A celebration of life gathering will follow at 4 p.m. at the Malone Amvets. Donations in Jack’s name may be made to the Malone Minor Hockey Association (P.O. Box 186, Malone).
Jack’s family would like to extend their sincere appreciation and thanks to Malone Village Police Department, Franklin County Sheriff’s Deptartment, NYS Police, NYS Forest Rangers, and NYS DEC, along with many dedicated volunteer searchers for their incredible efforts to locate him and would remind all of the importance of security cameras and to keep advocating for increased cell tower coverage all over the North Country.