Ursal "Jay" Miller

Ursal Loyd “Jay” Miller, age 70, of Selma, died November 15, 2022 at his home.

Jay was the second oldest of 13 children. After residing in Kansas, California and Alaska, the Miller family relocated to the Draper Valley Farm in Selma, Oregon in the mid 1960’s.

Jay enlisted in the United States Navy after high school. It was during this time that he met the love of his life, Lynn. They were married on December 5, 1972. Jay and Lynn were blessed with 7 beautiful children and over the years their family tree has grown to include 17 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. His family was everything to him.

Jay followed in his father’s footsteps and became a contractor. While working full time, Jay always found time to coach his children, grandchildren and the Illinois Valley youth through various sports. Wrestling was his passion and he dedicated over 40 years of his life to the sport. In 2007 he was inducted into the High School Wrestling Coaches Hall of Fame.

The legacy of Jay Miller does not stop with wrestling. Most notable was his willingness to help others. He never said “no” to anyone in need. Jay’s selflessness has had a positive impact on many lives and on the Illinois Valley in general, particularly as a mentor to the youth of our community through the years.

He will be greatly missed but never forgotten, and his legacy will live on through every life he touched.

For those wishing, remembrances may be made in Jay’s name to IVHS (Illinois Valley High School) 625 E River Street, Cave Junction, Oregon 97523 with Wrestling Program on the memo line.