Friends of the Jimmy Miller Foundation

Jimmy touched so many lives in his time with us. In the past year we have loved to hear and share the stories that keep Jim in our hearts and in our souls. Please email us your stories and thoughts and we will post them on the Friends page for others to read. A classic surf story, a travel experience, a great surf lesson, a raging party story- all are welcome. It is these stories that we can keep our connections strong. Please email your stories to info@jimmymillerfoundation.org

Chris and everyone
Thanks for the kind words. The day would not have happened without all of your efforts, enthusiasm and stoke. Thank you guys very much for helping us make the pilot program a success and we look forward to many more days in the future.
It is difficult for us to put into words all of the stuff that went on and even harder for us to gather all of the "breakthroughs" and events of the day.
Thanks again for you support!!!!!
Jeff

Hello Miller's & fellow JMMF members,
Thank you so much for inviting me down to Camp Pendleton and for putting me up for the night. I'm grateful to be a part of such a truly bitchin experience. I know Jimmy was out in the water with us, too, grinning ear to ear while trading off waves with us all, especially knowing he was surfing an un-crowded, private, gated spot on the Southern California coast.
I like to think he was talking to me out there in the water, telling me to slow down and not take off on the set waves (on my short board), and to let these unique students enjoy a well earned surf. At the end of the day, it feels good to know that I too keep learning from him as a I travel through this endless "pure surfing experience". So cool.
Thanks again, and let's do taco's one day soon (I'll bring the Advil for the post JM margarita haze). Hugs and bro slaps,
Chris

Points that stand out in my mind from the two-day trip:
How well they took and applied the instruction.
the great instruction and explanation of the anatomy of the surfboard....
The smiles on the faces of the Marines multiple times thought out the day (It made me think and know they were millions of miles away from any combat zone or stress' they are living with)
Carly, WOW, she is amazing and did a phenomenal job of keeping it light and fun
Non event items:
Tandis singing .... That was awesome (for those that stayed Wednesday night) :-)
Tracy and his dancing with the stingrays
Jim and Nancy for everything
Pulled the keeper..... LOL thx John and good luck.
meeting those of you that I had not met before and getting to know others better.
Today was the JMMF next to last Ocean Therapy Day with kids from Hollygrove Foster Home in Hollywood. A classic day - 10 little boys and one pre-teen girl. Most had come to one session or two and were becoming proficient in surfing.
They wanted to understand the details...those hints that make the difference between a good ride and and great ride. We had professional surfers, world class paddlers, nurses, college kids, moms, dads and lifeguards all teaching together.
One little boy who came for the first time said, " I can't get out of the water for a break....I have too much to learn!" He was talking about surfing and life! As I participate as a surfer and not the mom who is serving snacks and lunch, I can really listen to these kids who don't have very much going on in their lives. They talk about setting goals: catching 5 waves, standing up, smiling after they fall down, listening and being kind and supportive to the others kids.
I listen to the volunteers, who leave their work-day jobs and stand back in wonder as their little chargers depend on them to set them on the right wave and be there when they fall.
When I am out in the waves with my Jeff or any of the other surf-wise and kind-hearted guys, I hear the same sort of calming and encouraging talk. "Take a breath, look at the shore, not your feet, bend your knees and feel one with the board. Cover your head, "use a head helmet to make sure your head is protected) And SMILE, whether you are getting your picture taken or not.
When 10 year old Jonathan looked at my hat with the logo of Jimmy teaching a little girl to surf. He asked me." who is that/" And when I told him it was my son, who started this surf program for the kids, he said, "tell him thank you. Where does he surf? Is he here today? I could honestly answer, Yes.
So...that is it in a nutshell, what I have been up to this summer!
With love,
Nanc (Nancy Miller)
Closing thought's:
How the Marines left the beach talking, smiling and seemed to just be overall stoked...mission accomplished.
I would love to know what they thought about that night as they went to sleep....... I am sure they were thinking of the big waves and the heavy pin downs they took...... or the sensation of standing on a wave for the first time.
I wonder if they used any of the new slang they heard from all of us and or are going to try and surf again? No doubt, they had a great time that they will never forget and that we all helped them to create. They all now have their first fireside surf story they can share as they travel the world. That would be great to hear how they explained their session.
Keep us posted and count me in for the next time around.
Ty Cukr
Hi There,
I think I am a little in shock. I met Jim in Victoria (Phillip Island) in 1992 on his trip to Australia, my now husband whom I had been with for about 4 years at the time was in CA at this time and his name is also Jim and they shared the same birthday 28th April, so many coincidences.
Anyway, Jim and I really connected and became friends, we hung out for a month or so and then he continued his travels up to Sydney, I was studying psychology at the time and couldn't go with him but I tripped up for a couple of weekends. We kept in touch for a couple of years after but lost contact with moves and life.
By another quirk of fate or coincidence my husband is again in CA and has met a local from Manhattan Beach and mentioned that his wife had had a relationship with this guy called Jim Miller and the local guy named Eric advised my husband that Jim had passed away, my husband rang me about 20 minutes ago and told me this, I didn't believe it, I told my husband that they have the same birthday, he studied teaching, worked as a life guard and his name is actually James, couldn't be Jim! So I did a google search and here I am, very, very sad!
It doesn't surprise me that he went on to do fabulous things and I am so pleased that he maintained and indulged his love of surfing, and yes he taught me how to surf too.
I have lots of photos and videos, they are still in Melbourne, he was traveling with a guy from Sydney, I think his name was Patrick, I became their beach photographer. I have attached a photo of my daughters and I, I am also happy to be in touch and reminis and I hope you don't mind that I have used this e-mail as a bit of therapy, you would probably be used to that as I know he would have touched so many people!
Jodi, Austrailia

I heard about Jimmy recently and I have not been able to stop thinking about him. I keep imagining his beautiful smile and his gentle demeanor.
I lived a few houses up from the strand on 17th and went to school with Jimmy until I moved to Virginia in 1985. The last time we spoke was while he was at Berkley.
My long-ago memories of MB are stored away in a sort of blue snow globe - friends, parties, body surfing, roller skating and the sea, mixed in with little stars - sparkling glimpses of being kids in a beach town, snapshots of our childhood genre. I have always thought of Jimmy as one of the brightest stars. He is the image of the idyllic setting of our youth. He is part of my Manhattan Beach. So smart, naturally cool and likeable – that was Jimmy.
All of us beach kids go about our adult lives in separate worlds. We only think we are alone when, actually, we are linked to each other. I wish that I could reach through the worlds, find Jimmy and bring him that small hope that I finally and barely found.
If there is something that I might do to help the foundation, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Best regards,
Heather Gallas, Sedona, Arizona


Hello everyone this is Julia Brady and Meghan McMahon, The Jimmy Miller Foundation’s newest volunteers. We are both 11, and very excited to be part of a wonderful group of people that are dedicating their time and energy to help kids learn how to surf and feel good about themselves. Most of the kids the foundation works with live in foster homes and/or have special needs, but you would NEVER know it. Why? Because they’re having soooo much fun on the beach and in the surf that their troubles are worlds away!
Today was exceptional because we met a very enthusiastic 14 year-old girl named Octavia. She told us that she had never surfed before, and was afraid to try. After 15 minutes, she was standing on the board, surfing, with a big smile on her face. Each time she fell or reached the shore, she was ready to get back on the board and try again, and each time that smile grew bigger and bigger. Octavia’s day in the surf took her far away from her everyday life, and there is no doubt that she will return home more confident and strong.
We are fortunate to have the Pacific Ocean as our backyard, and we appreciate how lucky we are to live in a wonderful place like Manhattan Beach. We are proud to be volunteers for The Jimmy Miller Foundation, and feel like we’re helping make a difference in the lives of others less fortunate.

There was one of the Marines yesterday who I haven't been able to get out of my mind. I don't remember his name, but he was about 5' 8", Hispanic and kind of quiet. He had several tattoos including 12-15 stars on his back. Inside each star was a name (Gary, Mike, Joe, etc). I asked him about them, and he said that each star was for one of the guys in his squad who was killed. Later, I saw him riding a wave in with a big smile on his face.
It has been very apparent that the JMMF program has done a lot of good for these men and women. However, it is probably impossible to fully understand the depth of the benefits of what you are doing.
I think that Jimmy and his grandfather are very proud.
Everyone did a sensational job today, especially Ms. Rogers and Mr. Gerold. From my perspective, it was phenomenal on several levels. Below is an email I received when I got back from the Commanding Officer. I sent him a response on our behalf.
Best, Steve

hello, my name is Cain. im a Marine attached with the Wounded Warrior Battalion. The Jimmy Miller Foundation and other surfers came to teach us to surf. I have cought on to it pretty good, although I am still learning. but I have found surfing to be very therapuetic. During our surf sessions we were told to contact the foundation to maybe get assistance on getting a board and a wetsuit. due to my injurys from iraq, due to my wifes illness "epelepcy" and my sons condition (he had a brain tumor removed in november 2007.. he is 13 months old now and doing good. but we have little money and cant afford a board and suit.
The foundation left a few boards to the battalion and i have been using one of those.. however i am soon to be medicaly retired and wont be here to use them. so i dont know if i heard the surf instructers wrong or if i misunderstood. but if i could get assistance in getting a board and suit that would be a blessing... thank you


Since this letter the JMMF is stoked to say that we have hooked Cain up with a board donated by Global Surf Industries and have bought him a new Body Glove Vapor Wetsuit!

Jim and I met in the summer of 1990 in Sydney, Australia, surfing Mackenzie's Bay on the city beaches near Bondi. We became quick friends and embarked on a month long trip from Sydney to the Gold Coast. On the we scored perfect Angourie, Lennox, Boulders, and Kirra. It was a trip that is imbedded in my memory. He was the first "Seppo" I had met and broke the cliché of my ignorance.

I was inspired to visit Jim a year or so later and stayed with the Millers at their beautiful home in Manhattan Beach. Jimmy and I went down to Mexico, scoring epic waves and we will leave it at that. Over the years we slipped in and out of each others lives. I was living in NYC, and would see him from time to time.

We became close again around 2002, and he would visit me in Brooklyn when he could. My 30th birthday with him will go down as one of the best nights of my life. And that's saying something. I truly believed he was living the dream. My brother has suffered from mental illness most of my life, and it was a shock to me to lose my dear friend so suddenly. He was an inspiration to me, and I hold his memory dear. I am now living back in Sydney, but hope one day to be able to travel to the event in October. If anyone of his friends is in Australia, my door is open.
P King, Sydney, Australia

Ode to Jimmy- Jimmy's Legacy
There was a man named Jimmy Miller. Helping others was his gift
He taught many to love surfing, and he gave their lives a lift
He made so many good friends, many more that you could see
An ambassador for kindness, that was Jimmy's legacy.
His friends all loved him deeply, and his family's love was strong
And while we'll always miss him, Jimmy's legacy goes on.

There are kids out there that we know, from them a smile we never see
Jimmy's spirit helps their healing, with his ocean therapy
When these children feel unwanted, and they have no way to cope
They step out of the ocean, and their eyes are filled with hope
Jimmy's living spirit, helps them see there's so much more.
They smile and they are happy, like they've never been before.

When we see a dolphin swimming, we know Jimmy's out there too
And his living made the world, a better place for me and you.
So thank you once more Jimmy, and all the good your life has done
And we know your soul's still surfing, in the waves beneath the sun.
R Lesser, Manhattan Beach Beach, CA

We’ve all walked on broken glass
We’ve all found ourselves lost in the dark of night
Lost oneself in the midst of the mass
Tears running down our cheeks from helpless fright

Now we step on coals still aflame
Memories engraved in the hearts of our souls
Ghostly smiles to hide the pain
Your life’s importance upon which I set my goals

Frustrated fists of losing sight
The caress of salty fingertips we gather once more
A hanging glimpse now starved to fight
Through the anger of emotions breaking our core
Inspired Surfer

"Jim was a hero of mine. Not only was I a student of his style in the ocean but out of it as well. I noticed his attention to everyone around him. He thought of them before he thought of himself. He always had a kind word and a friendly smile. Jim was a big brother to hundreds of young men who paddled out next to him here in Manhattan and abroad. And I humbly consider myself one of those young men. I have fond memories of competing against him in lifeguard competitions and paddling out next to him in hopes of a short conversation. I know Jim will never be forgotten and my hope is that the surfing community of the South Bay builds on his legacy of aloha, energy and goodness."
M Smart, Hermosa Beach, CA

Son, Friend, Brother
Surfer, Lifeguard, Lover
Teacher, Hero, Giver
Kind, Compassionate, Joyful
Pure, Soul, James
This is the Jimmy Miller I will always know, love and remember. May his spirit live on within us all.
J Smart, Saugerties, NY
"Jim was an amazing man with aloha spirit pouring from his body. He was a person who made things happen, Whether it was a surf contest for the kids or a surf school for the stoked. He was a waterman to say the least. Lifeguard, surfer, swimmer, paddler and all around great spirit of the ocean. He had a beautiful smile that made you feel as ease, Not once did I ever feel uncomfortable in his presence. The world will miss a great teacher of living the simple, organic and beautiful life. Much Love"
C Del Moro, Auckland, New Zealand
"On a Friday morning, just a few weeks ago, Sue and I saw first hand right here in Manhattan Beach a shining example of what St. Paul was talking about in that passage, where suffering produced endurance and endurance produced character, and character produced hope, and where hope did not disappoint and where all of this was the product of people living for ideals beyond themselves. We watched orphans, minority kids who had been shuttled from foster home to foster home, kids who had forgotten how to smile, have the time of their lives, grinning from ear to ear, as a corps of local instructors put them in wetsuits and took them into the ocean at Rosecrans Ave and spent the entire morning teaching how to board surf as part of the ongoing charitable activities of the Jimmy Miller Memorial Foundation.

In this example of St. Paul's words come to life, the suffering had come as a result of the untimely death a year ago of Jimmy Miller, a young man of many talents who had an abiding love of the ocean; the endurance had come from the ongoing efforts of his family and many friends to get past this tragedy; the character was demonstrated by the maturity of the many people who donated their time to establish a memorial Fund and to carry out its objectives. On that morning at Rosecrans Beach we saw folks from many walks of life, from commercial real estate brokers to physical therapists, yes even a lawyer or two, give of their time freely to instruct these orphaned kids and to see that they had a quality, positive experience. The hope came from the wish these children would come away with a better self-image and a feeling that true happiness was not beyond their reach. By the excited looks on all their faces, it was clear that hope did not disappoint."
K Brown, Hermosa Beach, CA (From a sermon delivered at the Manhattan Beach Community Church 8/28)
"I met Jimmy in late 2001, wanting to take up surfing again after recently moving to California. He met me at Rosecrans, and I still vividly remember those first few moments. Rock music was blaring from his red suburban; he was dressed in trunks, a sweatshirt, wearing a knit cap and full beard, and he was singing along; totally stoked to be in that moment... Several lessons later, we were heading into the water together; he would introduce me to friends, trying to make me feel comfortable with the locals. We alternated later sessions with impromptu bbq's at his house, playing Transworld Surf on his XBox, sipping chamomile tea, laughing as I tried to ride the Cosmic, finger painting in every imaginable shade of blue, and just laying on the beach, suited up, but too engrossed in conversation to get wet. These moments with Jimmy were some of the best shared moments of my life. He was such a sensitive, passionate, fun-loving guy. An immensely talented teacher and mentor. And a super, super person, by all accounts. I have missed him and his friendship terribly, as with everyone who knew him, but feel inspired with the Jimmy Miller Foundation, which was founded by his family and close friends. I wish you all the best of luck in this venture... and may anyone who benefits from the memory of Jimmy live the dream!"
A Vernor, Los Angeles, CA
"Whenever anyone asks me how I became a surfer I tell them all all about my hero and legend Jim Miller. I wouldn't be able to follow my dream if it wasn't for Jim and his unbelievable passion towards surfing. I, along with my friends, have unforgettable memories of Junior Lifeguards, Jalama, and the Pure Surfing Experience contests. Jim was the epitome of who a surfer is. He continually portrayed soul, love, and an uncanny sharing of the ocean. I can't tell how much I miss him and think of him. Right now I am in England and I take a photo of him to every country I go to. I know he is here in spirit and every time I get one of those waves of a lifetime I look up and say thanks to him and my brother. So celebrate the life that he gave all of us for me please!!!"
A Gray, Palos Verdes, CA
"I stumbled upon Jim’s website early last year and had the privilege to talk to Jim about possibly attending his Surf Camp with my sons. The Surf Camp hasn't’t happened yet, but it will when my little guy gets a little bigger. I could tell Jim was a special kind of a guy from just one brief conversation with him. He returned my voice mail message from the top of a mountain while he was on a ski vacation in the spring of 2004. I thought it was pretty cool of him. We had a great conversation. I never met Jim, but from all indications I know he was a unique individual that lived life to its fullest until mental illness overcame him. A real tragedy, but he left a wonderful legacy for all of those he’s touched. I can’t help but feel a sense of kinship to Jim since I surfed a lot as a young man, still lust for adventure and I’m a foster parent for kids in the St. Louis area. Kids are definitely special and I believe Jim’s foundation will truly help kids out through a surfing experience. I’m sure each kid will never forget their CampSurf experience. I only hope that I help out some kid so they can get their first “ride”. Kids will love experiencing one of nature’s true marvels. . Keep the faith and keep up the good work you’re doing for Jim and the kids."
A Raymond, St. Louis, MO