Western New York Region Remembers John "Jack" Miller

 

Jack Miller: December 13, 1928 - July 22, 2020

"Take an hour to save a life." That was the self-proclaimed motto of Jack Miller, an Auburn resident and lifelong American Red Cross blood donor and volunteer. Jack passed away in July, leaving behind his loving wife and family, and an incredible legacy of community giving.  

Jack started donating blood in 1949 while attending the University of Pennsylvania. By the time he retired from Sylvania Electronics Corporation, Jack had donated 104 pints of blood, an impressive 13 gallons! In his retirement, Jack began to dedicate even more time to the Red Cross by becoming a volunteer with the Cayuga County blood services team. 

He began his support of the organization phoning donors, coordinating blood drives, and transporting donations, all while continuing to roll up his own sleeve to give the gift of life anytime he was eligible. In June 2000, after 52 years and 340 units donated (120 whole blood, 143 platelet, and 77 plasma), Jack was deferred indefinitely due to a condition that required he take blood thinning medication.

Jack viewed his inability to continue to give blood as simply “another door opening.” That same year, he turned his time and tireless efforts each and every month toward managing a regular blood drive held at the United Methodist Church in Auburn. This special drive soon became known as “Jack’s Drive,” the output of which he proudly grew by more than double, consistently averaging 100 donors or more and impacting tens of thousands of lives over the years.

Jack knew how important his drive was to our blood supply, and in turn he was known to run a tight ship. Each month, he made over 300 calls to area donors – some multiple times – to ensure his drive would be a success. He ran registration and would make sure there were copies of the local paper on hand just in case of a wait. After each month’s drive, Jack sent personal thank you letters and recognized milestone donations.

“When I think about Jack, it brings a smile to my face. I can still see him with one of his many Red Cross T-shirts on, which he wore with such pride,” said Roberta Kryk, a Red Cross Account Manager in Rochester.

As time passed and Jack began stepping back from his 110% hands-on approach, he would still stop in each month with his wife, Dot, to ensure things were running to his expectations (and collect his favorite Cheez-Its from the refreshment area).

“Jack’s commitment to the local blood donors and hospital recipients is well-known and respected by many. His personal touch and sense of caring paired with a tenacious spirit made him a shining star in our Red Cross family, and he will be greatly missed” said Shawn O’Hargan, Regional Market Manager, American Red Cross Blood Services.

Over the years, he built a resume of accolades including Volunteer of the Year (2001-2002), Individual Outstanding Contributions Award (2004), Blood Services Volunteer Award and Real Heroes Blood Donor Award (2013).

The Red Cross will hold a blood drive in Jack’s memory in the coming months at the Auburn United Methodist Church where his monthly drive took place, honoring his more than two decades stewarding the Red Cross’ lifesaving mission.

The Miller family has asked that any contributions in Jack’s memory be made to the American Red Cross, 825 John Street, West Henrietta, NY 14586 (Memo: In Memory of Jack Miller).

Story by: Katie Potter, American Red Cross