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
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