Jerry (Blair) Miller

Jerry (Blair) Miller passed away on December 6 at the age of 69, after a long and difficult battle with brain cancer and complications resulting from his condition and surgeries. His journey was one of resilience, determination, and remarkable strength. Blair fought tirelessly to stay alive after recovering from two brain tumors – the first he had as a child and the second as an adult. Beyond most expectations, Blair graduated from Nazareth college with a bachelor’s degree, built meaningful friendships, and worked- despite the challenges he faced.

At the age of 3, Blair was diagnosed with brain cancer and was given little hope of surviving, let alone thriving. Doctors didn’t expect him to walk, talk, or live past a few years. Yet, Blair defied all odds. He not only survived but went on to exceed every expectation.

Blair graduated from Nazareth College and, while working at Citibank, and demonstrating his love of silent film history, authored his first book, American Silent Film Comedies: An Illustrated Encyclopedia of Persons, Studios, and Terminology, before he turned 40.

Shortly after celebrating the success of his first book, he was diagnosed with a second, non-cancerous brain tumor. This diagnosis led to a twelve-hour brain surgery, and he spent most of the next year learning to talk, walk, and live independently again. Within a few years, he published his second book, Almost Hollywood: The Forgotten Story of Jacksonville, Florida, which was recognized with an award from the Jacksonville Historical Society.

Blair was predeceased by his parents, Jerry Blair Miller and Carol Kendall Owen Farrell. He is survived by his sisters, Cynthia Mead (Virginia), Beth (Miller) Wilson (Delaware), and Susan (Miller) Sheppard (Virginia/Rochester).

Blair’s life was a testament to perseverance and a reminder that miracles can happen even in the face of insurmountable odds. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

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