Final Salute

James Richard Miles, Born May 5, 1978, in Pomona, California and lived in Buckeye, Arizona when he passed away on July 18, 2021. James is survived by his wife Jennifer Miles, son Steven and daughter Emily; parents, Linda and Russell Miles of El Cajon, California; three sisters, Stacy Flor (Chad), Cynthia Celeste (Nick), Jennifer McMillin (Shannon); and nephews, Noah, Dustin, Chase, Tanner and Maverick. After High School, James enlisted in the Navy and spent the first two years stationed in Guam aboard the USS Frank Cable. He spent the next two years travelling the world aboard the USS Tarawa. James then became attached to the NMCB5, Seabee Battalion 5. James first became a Shellback while serving on the Frank Cable and crossed the equator again aboard the Tarawa.

James was a skilled welder and was attached to the U.S. Border Patrol performing maintenance and repairs to the Border Fence Project during the Obama Administration. He spent these years living life to the fullest, riding dirt bikes, camping, and traveling.

James was proud of each segment of his short life. He was proud to be a veteran, proud of the work he did as a Seabee, of the work he did on the pre-Trump border wall, his love of the off-road community and the volunteer work he performed for SCORE Off Road races and King of the Hammers race, building two Trophy Trucks and the countless weekends he spent in the desert living his dream.

James has been driving a truck for the past few years and was able to share that experience with both Steven and Emily, taking them on the road with him. He was proud to be able to purchase his first home for his young family. James always believed that family comes first and lived his life accordingly.