Obituary of James Alexander Millar

James Alexander Millar, (86), of Waterloo, Ontario, passed away on July 20, 2023 with his loved ones close by.

Jim, known as Sandy in his younger years, was born to James and Ellen Millar of Scotland, on June 18, 1937, on “the wrong side of the border,” in Chesterfield, England.  Jim’s family moved to Canada when he was 10 years old, and he spent his formative years in Galt, Ontario. Later he attended Stratford teacher’s college and found two of his life-long loves:  his wife, Sandra (nee Maier), and his teaching career.  He went on to attend Wilfrid Laurier University where he earned his Honours Bachelor of Arts degree, and then McMaster University where he studied sculpture, painting and fine art.  

He took great pride in teaching, and taught at various levels in education. Jim began in elementary schools and then took on the position of Director of Art for the Kitchener and District public school board before finding his niche as Head of the Art Department at Waterloo Collegiate, where he also coached their first girls soccer team. Through his many years of teaching, Jim met many young students who would later become friends that he enjoyed catching up with throughout his life. He found joy in attending reunions and being recognized at home and abroad by former students. 

Jim will be immeasurably missed by his wife Sandra and two daughters, Stephanie (Jeff Howard) and Samantha (Chris Quinlan).  His grandchildren, Noah, Sarah, James, and Jonathan are also greatly missing their Poppa.  They will remember his love of wine gums, strawberry milkshakes, and the chocolate chip cookies he always kept beside his chair. Jim was a loving, caring, and supportive father and grandfather and delighted in playing with his grandkids, having had a special relationship with each of them.  

In addition to his love of teaching, and his great love for his family, Jim loved spending time at the cottage.  Between towing kids and grandkids in the tube around the bay, tinkering on multiple fix-up projects, and roasting marshmallows around many a campfire, Jim was in his element at the cottage.  He also had a passion for playing volleyball on Friday nights, singing, dancing, and helping others.  Through volunteering with many different organizations and helping out at church, he always wanted to lend a hand whenever he could.  Jim had a positive impact on so many people over the years and was known to value truth, love, and laughter above all else.  

He lived a happy life and died at peace with the life he had lived - with his indomitable spirit intact.

A private funeral service will be held for the immediate family.  A celebration of life will be planned for September 2023.  In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or Mount Zion Lutheran Church, Waterloo, in Jim’s name and may be made through the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home at www.erbgood.com