When Jerry Miller ran on the Ashland, Ohio, farm roads near his family’s home decades ago as captain of his school’s track and cross-country teams, he likely never imagined the huge positive impact he was destined to have more than 2,000 miles away in Olympia. But as a long-time Jefferson Middle School teacher, Capital High School track/field and cross-country coach, and local running organizations’ founder and supporter, that’s exactly what happened.
And his service to his community continues even after his August 30, 2025, death at age 76, which followed his 2013 Parkinson’s disease diagnosis. An October 4, 2025, gathering in his memory raised research funds during the American Parkinson Disease Association’s South Sound Optimism Walk in Lacey.
“He was always super kind,” says Ronan Piper, who was coached by Miller and was joined by several of his former Capital teammates on the walk. “He really cared for all people, no matter where you were or where you sat (with your running times).”
“I can tell you, those kids loved Jerry,” says Bryan Willis, who assisted with coaching and is the father of former Capital runner Zach Willis.
Teacher Jerry Miller Made a Difference in Jefferson Middle School Students’ Lives
After graduating from Ashland College in 1971 with an education degree and doing post-graduate work, Miller was hired in 1979 at Jefferson. Miller taught hundreds of students there in his language arts, social studies, physical education and health classes, until retiring from middle school teaching in 2003. “He really wanted to make a difference in kids’ lives, in teaching, in running and in helping them learn about themselves,” says spouse Helen Miller. “He threw his love into what he did.”
Jennifer Gillick experienced that support first-hand. She recalls that as a sixth grader in his class, he not only taught with joyful enthusiasm, but he also looked out for his students. Gillick, now an American Parkinson Disease Association program director, says Miller had a “huge” impact on her when she was a struggling middle schooler. “I had no confidence, I was really shy, and I thought that nobody liked me,” Gillick says. “I didn’t feel I really belonged.” Miller saw this and quietly asked another student to help Gillick. “I learned later that he told her, ‘befriend this girl, be kind to her,’” Gillick describes. “And she became one of my really good friends. He knew I was not doing well, and he did something about it.”
Coach Jerry Miller Shared His Love of Running By Supporting Student-Athletes
Miller enthusiastically shared his love of running with Olympia School District students by coaching for more than 40 years, including as the Capital head coach for track/field and cross country from 1992 to 2020. Kevin Wright worked alongside Miller for 27 years at Capital. “My key memory is that he always wanted what was best for his kids,” says Wright, now the Lakes High School Athletic Director in Lakewood. “He wanted them to work hard, have a good experience, and have a good time.”
Miller’s teams did well, with 26 of his teams going to state meets, and in 1997 his boys cross country team won a state title. In 2015 Miller was inducted into the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association Hall of Fame.
Wright says Miller met student-athletes where they were at, helping them build life skills. “Coach Miller taught me a lot about taking responsibility for my own motivation, and to feel like I was consistently able to practice,” agrees Ezra Mead, a former runner at Capital. “He was very constant and very supportive.”
Leader Jerry Miller Was Instrumental in Creating Local Running Organizations and Events
Miller knew that running together builds important bonds for all ages in the community. He was instrumental in founding the former Rain Runners club. He served as the Capital Lakefair Run and the Capital Invite race director, Capital City Marathon Association president and Washington State Cross Country Coaches Association advisory board member. Miller assisted with the first U.S. Olympic marathon trials for women in Olympia in 1984, the 1990 Goodwill Games in Seattle and more.
This year, the Capital City Marathon Association (CCMA) recognized his legacy, noting, “Without Jerry’s passion there would be no CCMA and no signature event – the annual May marathon weekend.”
Jerry Miller’s Public Service Continues Through Parkinson’s Disease Research Fundraising
Helen Miller says he was a teacher, coach, husband, and dad to children Ginger, Katie and Donald. “All four jobs were important to him,” she says. She wonders if his Parkinson’s was triggered by pesticides sprayed while Miller ran along Ohio farm roads. Although ill, he continued his community support through his fundraising team for Parkinson’s research. While he died before participating in this year’s Optimism Walk, about 78 family, friends, coworkers, coaches and students raised money and walked for him, honoring his service. To donate, visit the American Parkinson Disease Association website.
Read more in People in Public Service.
