Paul "Skip" Arthur Miller, Jr.

Paul “Skip” Miller, 68, of Jackson, Michigan passed away at home on April 4, 2026 after a short journey with an aggressive cancer.

Skip was born on March 31, 1958 in Detroit, the son of Carol (Lewis) Ames. The family migrated west to Hillsdale, Michigan, where he graduated high school in 1976. From there he went on to serve his country for 10 years in the US Navy, aboard the USS Ajax (AR-6), a Vulcan-class repair ship. Most of his stories about his tours of the west Pacific were of the shenanigans aboard, and he had many to tell.

Skip married Laura (Howell) Brand-Bauer on October 9, 2015 at the Jackson County Courthouse. He didn’t want to wait to plan a wedding because he was in such a rush to make Laura his wife. Although everyone else in his life knew him as Skip, he introduced himself to Laura as Paul. They met in 2010 through layers of shared friend groups, riding Harleys, and their mutual love of live music. The Tragically Hip was their “love band,” and they were able to see The Hip together several times, most importantly “that one night in Toronto.” Paul and Laura went to concerts every chance they could, and have stacks of concert posters, and fat scrapbooks of ticket stubs and setlists to enhance the memories they made together. He cherished the time spent with music friends, and loved to play DJ at home – always discovering another new artist to check out.

In addition to music, Skip was known for being a generous friend and for honest hugs, along with saying exactly what was on his mind, and never failing to make you laugh. Skip is survived by his children, Christian (Linda) McDowell of Reading and Allison Miller of Litchfield, who were never far from his thoughts. He was so proud of the people they had become and always wished he could do more for them. Skip didn't just play music; he shared a soul-deep appreciation for it that his children will carry forever. They are profoundly grateful for the way he shaped their world, providing not only a soundtrack for their lives but a blueprint for how to live with kindness and character. The memories he created are a treasure, and the role model he was remains their greatest inspiration.

Skip is also survived by his grandchildren: Alexandrya (Zachary) Dryer of Hillsdale, Thomas Lorenz of Hillsdale, Makenzy Evans of Mosherville, Ariana McDowell of Reading and one Great Granddaughter, Aulora Lorenz of Hillsdale. Skip is also survived by his sister Jenny Miller of Ann Arbor. They had a special, open sibling bond that Skip cherished. Whenever something important came up, good or bad, his first thought was to call Jenny. She always knew he would do anything he could to protect and be there for her. Skip was preceded in death by his mother, Carol (Lewis) Ames.

Paul has been cremated per his wishes. The family is planning a memorial gathering in the near future and details will be posted.

If you would like to make a gift in his memory, please donate to your favorite animal shelter (the Jackson County Animal Shelter and Erin’s Angels were two of his), or a local organization that provides assistance to families living with cancer.

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