Jerry Miller, 82, passed away on the afternoon of Tuesday, June 22, 2021 in Wichita, KS.

Jerry, known affectionately as "Tree" as a young man due to his height, held lofty views of the world. A man of high character from the get-go, he would steadily gain the respect and admiration of everyone he met throughout his life. He was born in 1938 in Moberly, Missouri, and a few years later became big brother to his sister, Janet. He grew to have his mother's artistic sensibility and his father's quick wit and love for playing cards, all traits that would serve him well in the decades to come.

After graduating from high school in 1956, Jerry continued his educational pursuits by obtaining a Bachelor's Degree in Education from Northeast Missouri State Teachers College, followed later by a Master's Degree in Education from the University of Missouri, then a Specialist in Education from Central Missouri State, and finally a Doctor of Visual Arts Education from the  University of Kansas. He had a love for learning but a real passion for teaching.

Shortly after receiving his Bachelor's Degree, Jerry took a job teaching high school art in Richmond, MO. It was here where he met the bubbly Joyce who would soon win his heart and become his lifelong partner. She stood a foot shorter than he but they saw eye to eye on many things. The two were wed in 1961 and within six years expanded their family to four with the birth of their two sons.

In 1969 Jerry brought his family to Warrensburg, Missouri where he accepted a position as art teacher at the University Laboratory School, part of Central Missouri State College. He held that position until 1976 when he became an instructor with the college art department. Eventually, Jerry would work his way up to become the Chair of the Department of Art. He held this leadership position for 11 years and had a positive impact on both students and instructors during that time. Also during this time period he led the department to become accredited with the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), a prestigious designation for art schools, and served as president of the Missouri Art Education Association (MAEA) in which he was an active member for many years.

Not one to talk excessively, Jerry tended to speak only when he had something to say. He didn't mince words or beat around the bush so when he said something you knew exactly what he thought. Jerry's sons and their friends jokingly referred to him as The Enforcer because he held them accountable for their actions and in doing so helped them become the best versions of themselves. He was a teacher through and through and had a way of making you want to do better with yourself and make him proud.

In addition to teaching, Jerry was an accomplished sculptor. His medium of choice was wood and his creations can be found on the campus of the University of Central Missouri as well as in many private collections. His works have a very organic feel and he often made pieces that encouraged interaction with the viewer, even going so far as to place "please touch" signs next to them when exhibited. Jerry's art was much like Jerry the man…formed by patience, steady perseverance and attention to detail. And just as he drew out the potential and beauty in each piece of wood, he could bring out the best in his family and friends.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Galena, and by his wife, Joyce. He is survived by his sons, Jeff and Jay; daughter-in-law, Amy; grandsons, Cole and Quinn; a sister, Janet Kimmons; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, June 26 at First Christian Church in Warrensburg followed by a private interment at Sunset Hill Cemetery. A visitation will be held in Warrensburg, MO from 5:00-7:00pm on Friday, June 25 at Sweeney-Phillips & Holdren Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the First Christian Church of Warrensburg and/or the Jerry L. Miller Art Endowment at UCM Foundation.