Jonathan Andrew "Jon" Miller

Jonathan Andrew “Jon” Miller, beloved husband, father, son, brother, uncle, grandson and friend, passed away surrounded by love after a courageous battle with brain cancer. He was 34 years young.

Born on October 3, 1991, in Rochester Hills, Michigan, Jon was the second of six children and grew up in Sterling Heights before moving to Lake Orion, Michigan. From an early age, Jon stood out for his determination, curiosity, and deep care for others; these qualities defined his life and the way he showed up for the people around him.

Jon graduated from Lake Orion High School in 2009. With a love of learning and a natural curiosity about how things worked, he approached life with focus and determination. Through his dedication as a golf caddy at Bloomfield Hills Country Club, he was awarded the prestigious Evans Scholarship, earning a full-ride to the University of Michigan, where he graduated with a degree in Chemical Engineering as a proud Wolverine.

His career took him to Louisiana in pursuit of his chemical engineering ambitions, where he built a meaningful professional life. Most recently with Dow as the Ethylene Oxide Improvement Manager. Never one to stop growing, Jon was also pursuing his MBA at Louisiana State University, continuing to challenge himself and invest in his future.

But to know Jon was to understand that his work was only one part of who he was.

Jon was a man who made people feel seen. He had a rare gift for truly listening, for wanting to understand who you were, what you loved, and what mattered to you. If you needed help, you could call Jon with no hesitation. He was a stand-up man in every sense, defined by his generosity, empathy, and unwavering presence.

He lived with a strength and an unshakable positivity, always able to find the silver lining, even in the most difficult circumstances. After being diagnosed with brain cancer in 2017, Jon faced every challenge with bravery and resilience, never allowing cancer to define him. Instead, he used it as part of his story. One marked by gratitude, perspective, and an even deeper appreciation for life. He became an inspiration to everyone who witnessed his fight.

Jonathan had a deep passion for nature. Growing up in Michigan, he developed a love for the water that naturally grew into a lifelong appreciation for being outside. Feeling most at home while fishing, hunting, and sharing those experiences with others. He was especially proud of his salmon fishing adventures and his gator hunt, stories he loved to tell, often bringing laughter and energy to any room. He was also a thrill-seeker at heart, enjoying boating, dirt biking, four wheeling, and snowmobiling.

No project was ever too big for Jon. Gifted with both skill and curiosity, he had a remarkable ability to figure out how to fix just about anything, approaching each task with quiet confidence and intelligence. He found real joy in working with his hands, especially when it came to house projects and caring for his boats.

He was equally grounded in his faith, which guided his life and values, and expressed that faith through service, including his time with volunteering, church activities, and a mission trip to Nicaragua.

Above all, Jon’s greatest pride and joy was his family.

He was a devoted and loving husband to his wife, Kayla, building a beautiful life and home together filled with love, laughter, and shared dreams. Jon was endlessly proud of her and the life they created. He took every chance to express his deep gratitude for Kayla’s quiet strength and constant devotion, and for the loving, graceful way she cared for him through his journey.

As a father, Jon’s love for his daughter, Mae Ivy, knew no bounds. She was his whole world, his greatest motivation, his deepest joy. He was playful, protective, and completely devoted, always striving to make her feel safe, happy, and loved. Jonathan spoke of Mae proudly, sharing all her milestones and moments. His legacy will live on through Mae and in the countless ways he shaped her life.

As a son and brother, Jon was a role model and a teacher, often offering wisdom in small, everyday moments. He was driven, focused, and stubborn. Jon made life fun, bringing humor, energy, and a sense of ease that allowed everyone around him to be themselves. The memories, lessons, and adventures shared with Jonathan will be carried close to the hearts of those who loved him.

Jon is survived by his loving wife, Kayla Miller; his cherished daughter, Mae Ivy; his mother, Joan Smith; his siblings, Steven (Julia) Miller, Elizabeth (Michael) McComb, Katherine Miller, and Joseph Miller; his maternal grandfather, John Smith; his in-laws, Suzanne and Brent Campbell; his brothers-in-law, Brent Michael (Erica) Campbell and Philip (Claudia) Campbell; his nephew, Lincoln Campbell; his nieces, Lily Campbell and Elaina Miller; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends whose lives were forever changed by knowing him.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Thomas Miller; his father, Ralph T. Miller; his maternal grandmother, Alfreda Smith; and his paternal grandfather, Ralph A. Miller.

Jonathan’s life was defined by his caring heart. If there is one word to describe him, it is this: kindness. Jon cared deeply, loved fully, and left a lasting impact on everyone he met. He helped shape us into the people we are today, and his presence will continue to be felt in the way we live, love, and show up for one another.

Jon’s heart lives on in all of us.

In memory of Jon, contributions may be made to UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, P.O. Box 4486, Houston, TX 77210-4486 or MDAnderson.org/Gifts

A memorial Mass will be held in Jon’s honor at St. Thomas More Catholic Church on Tuesday, May 12th at 12:00 PM.

Family and friends are invited to a celebration of life immediately following at the Miller Residence: 17426 Sweet Olive Avenue Baton Rouge, LA 70817