James W. “Tod” Miles (March 8, 1954- March 4, 2023)
A great Husband, Dad, Grandfather, Son-in-Law, Nephew, Uncle, and Friend. Predeceased by his father Wilson Miles Jr. and mother Elizabeth Miles. And his Grandparents Maggie and James Toler, Aunt Zelma Adams, Father-in-Law William Johnson, and Sister-in-law Tanarae Strong and cousin Elaine Brown.
Graduate of Morehouse College, class of ’76, he received his Juris Doctorate from Northwestern University in 1979. Tod was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. In his career as an attorney he was partner in two law firms, Former Commissioner of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, Assistant to former Illinois Governor James Thompson for Economic Development. As an investment banker he was a crucial player in negotiations of Public Finance . Tod negotiated contracts to rebuild Soldier Field and as well as communities that have been marginalized, in Illinois. He also travelled to Africa to serve communities across the ocean during his tenure. In fact, Tod served on many civic and charitable boards throughout his career.
An avid sports fan, especially of the Chicago Cubs , Chicago Bulls and Da Bears, Tod could have won a Sports Jeopardy Contest. He also played basketball in a lawyers league and helped his sons learn the game.
Tod was also a huge fan of the arts, particularly music. When you hung out with him, it was a guarantee that he would play the same song over and over again, so much so that it was almost embedded into your memory. He liked all genres of music, including country music. When he was younger, he and his grandmother would watch Grand Ole Opry.
Tod loved movies, and could quote his favorite movies verbatim. He and his sons could act out the entire movie of Pulp Fiction at any point throughout his life. Tod also loved Broadway plays, and, as his close friends and family know, he loved to dance.
He is survived by his wife, Terry Miles; sons, James Jr (Maggie) and Will (Giulia); granddaughters, Lily, River and Stella; mother in law, Barbara Johnson; aunt, Shirley Matthews; and close cousins, Gary Brown, Keith Toler, Kimberly Gibbs, Kouri Matthews, Chynna and Chyenne Gibbs, Savai, Logan, Amelie and Jack Toler; along with many other cousins. He is also survived by nephew, Kevin Blackwell (Charde); nieces, Gabriella and Scarlette and JJ Jackson; and nephew, Logan Jackson.
Tod was dad to two, Pop Pop to three, and father to many. Tod loved a good debate and relished a challenge. He was a thoughtful, kind and generous person who will be missed by special friends who were his “brothers” and many friends across the country and the world.
Rest well my love.
Monday, March 20, 2023
9:00am - 12:00 pm (Eastern time)
Diehl-Whittaker Funeral Service (Main Lobby)
Monday, March 20, 2023
1:00 - 2:00 pm (Eastern time)
Diehl-Whittaker Funeral Service
Monday, March 20, 2023
2:00 - 3:00 pm (Eastern time)
Diehl-Whittaker Funeral Service
Monday, March 20, 2023
Starts at 2:00 pm (Eastern time)
Virtual Webcast
To attend the service remotely, please visit James' tribute wall and click on the post that reads "Live Webcast."
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