News
In Memory of Kenneth Miller

Training Center Suffers Tragic Loss

Kenneth Wayne Miller, 57, of Austin died Tuesday, October 20, 2009. He is survived by wife Christine.

The Texas Justice Court Training Center and the justice courts of Texas are deeply saddened by the loss. This has been a real shock for the staff and we are very saddened at this time.

The Training Center's thoughts and prayers go out to Kenny's family and we ask that you keep Kenny and his family in your thoughts and prayers as well.

Those of you who knew Kenny knew that he had a wife Christine, and daughter Shelby who is a freshman at Texas State this fall. Kenny was a loyal friend to many, very dedicated to his work and was an avid gardener. We will miss him terribly!

Donations may be made to:

Frost National Bank
Kenneth Miller Memorial Fund
c/o Eunice Doung
605 Canyon Ridge Drive
Austin, TX 78753

Kenneth Wayne Miller Kenneth Wayne Miller, age 57, died unexpectedly on October 20, 2009. Kenny was born on October 16, 1952 to John E. and Joyce E. Miller. Kenny never met a stranger and was warm and friendly to all. He was the nicest guy anybody knew and never had a bad thing to say about anyone. Kenny was born in Austin, attended Reagan High School and was a member of the gymnastics team. He attended North Texas State and graduated proudly from the University of Texas. He was a Program Administrator for the Texas Justice Court Training Center for 26 years and served as President of the National Association of State Judicial Educators. Survivors include his loving wife, Christine, to whom he was married for twenty years; daughter, Shelby; his parents, John and Joyce Miller; and sister, Beverly and brother-in-law, Rick Kuchar and their two sons. His many family members and friends, who are too numerous to mention, will miss him dearly. Kenny was instrumental in establishing Austin Community Gardens, was an avid UT fan, and would squeeze in a game of golf whenever he could. There will be a visitation on Friday, October 23, 2009 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home, 14501 North Interstate 35, Pflugerville. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, October 24, 2009 at St. James Episcopal Church, 1941 Webberville Road, Austin. Interment will follow at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Cemetery. Memorial donations may be in Kenny's honor to the Kenneth Miller Memorial Fund, c/o Frost Bank, 605 Canyon Ridge Drive, Austin, Texas 78753.

Tribute to Our Colleague Kenny Miller

I picture Kenny sitting around heaven in his jeans and boots, a broad smile, and a beer in his hand, waiting to share a joke with Aristotle. Kenny was one of those unique individuals, a true Texan, who never apologized for who he was – just Kenny.

I sought Kenny out at NASJE conferences because he could always make me laugh. Kenny loved NASJE and worked hard during his years on the Board and as President. I never questioned Kenny’s motives for acting. He was honest and was wise enough to seek out counsel before a decision on NASJE’s behalf.

I will miss you, Kenny.

– Ellen Marshall, Washington D.C.

I remember him also as very dedicated, ethical and conscientious, and had only good memories from the times we talked and ate together at NASJE gatherings. This is just a terrible loss.

– Paul Biderman, New Mexico

Kenny loved NASJE and was so humbled when asked to serve in leadership. I have so many fond memories and great photos especially from San Antonio. My prayers are with his family.

– Franny Haney, Delaware

What a sweetie he was......an incredibly proud Texan, full of life, yet rather quiet with a strong sense of service. I recall how humbled and honored he was when he was elected as NASJE's president.

– Kay Palmer, Arkansas

Kenny, my friend, I will always remember walking across campus at Michigan State University with you kicking fall leaves as we passed the time following a JERITT Management Panel meeting. You were wild about those red, orange, and gold leaves. What a kind man and what a glorious soul. I miss you already.

– Maureen Conner, Michigan

I have wonderful NASJE memories of Kenny.

– Judith M. Anderson, Washington

I was so saddened and shocked to hear about Kenny Miller. He was such an "up-beat" kind of man, a hard-worker, and always a pleasure to be around.

– Karen Thorson, California

I met Kenny at my first NASJE Conference as he led the “newcomer” session. You immediately got a sense that this gentle man was so proud of the organization as he humbly stood in front of the class. Later, I was fortunate to serve on the Board with him. He was deliberate and thoughtful as he oversaw the business of the organization, ever mindful of the impact each decision had on our membership. I am a better person for having known Kenny.

– Liz Strong, Colorado

Kenny, my friend, you will certainly be missed by me. I remember our conversation just a few months ago. We always confided in each other, shared a few laughs and certainly some stories. I’ll miss hearing you talk about your garden and how proud you were of what you grew. I’m sure you’ll be teaching and showing everyone how a real garden is done. I’ll miss you.

– Sherry Carson, Georgia

I will always remember Kenny for his kindness and generosity of spirit. He never seemed phased by anything and was always ready to help someone else out. I do things in my job today that I got from off-hand remarks from Kenny at my new judicial educator program. Losing him is something we will all regret for a long long time.

– Phil Schopick, Ohio

Several NASJE members contributed their memories of Kenny to the guest book at Legacy.com. Please go there to read more by people who knew and will miss our great friend.

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