Joseph Johnson Miller IV

Joseph Johnson "J.J." Miller IV, 68, passed away peacefully on June 8, 2026, surrounded by family.

The fourth of five children, JJ was born in Harrisonburg, Virginia, on October 14, 1957, to Doris Jean Miller and Joseph J. Miller III. He later called St. Michaels, Maryland, home and carried countless fond memories of swimming at the yacht club, crabbing on the Chesapeake Bay, and getting into plenty of mischief with his siblings.

In high school, he was a state championship soccer player, yearbook editor, and played Snoopy in a production of You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown. After graduation, he studied Music Therapy and spent several years as a traveling musician, performing with bands, friends, and often as his own one-man show. In the late 1980s, he recorded an album titled Elvis' Dog. Encouraged by his oldest brother, JJ embraced the emerging World Wide Web, taught himself web design, and became a webmaster long before most people knew what that meant. He later worked for Qwest Communications, traveling throughout the country, before bookending his career with nearly two decades of service at Rick Hendrick Toyota.

JJ was quick-witted, endlessly curious, and a collector of knowledge. He seemed to know a little bit about everything and was a master of random trivia. His greatest passion was cooking, and he found tremendous joy in feeding the people he loved. He never met a recipe he couldn't master or an ingredient he couldn't track down. Whether it was a holiday meal, a new culinary challenge, or a favorite family dish, he poured love into every meal he made.

Of all his roles in life, being a dad was the one he cherished most. He packed lunches, chaperoned field trips, and planned unforgettable father-daughter adventures. Together, he and Catie rode more than 100 roller coasters, sang loudly with the windows down, and tackled science fair projects that often seemed impossible. He was a constant presence on the sidelines of soccer games and in the band stands, cheering her on every step of the way. Few moments made him prouder than watching her be accepted to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as a North Carolina Teaching Fellow.

In retirement, JJ settled in Wilmington, North Carolina, where he discovered a new and equally cherished role: being "Papsy" to his granddaughter, Lillian. He absolutely lit up when she was around. Whether they were playing, laughing, or simply spending time together, she brought him immeasurable joy.

JJ was preceded in death by father, Joseph J. Miller III, and his mother, Doris Jean Miller, of Goldsboro, North Carolina.

He is survived by his daughter, Catie Burnette, and son-in-law, George Burnette, of Raleigh; his beloved granddaughter, Lillian Burnette; his sisters, Cass Howell and Heather Miller of LaGrange; his brothers, Andy Miller of LaGrange and David Miller (Ellen) of Annapolis, Maryland; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who will miss his humor, stories, and love of life.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.