December 21, 2023 3:20 a.m.

The Douglas County Commissioners would like to extend their sincere condolences to the family and friends of former Douglas County Justice of the Peace Stephen F. Miller.

A County release said Miller passed away at his home on November 30th, following a stroke in May.

Miller served as the Justice of the Peace for the Douglas County Justice Court in Reedsport at the Courthouse Annex from 1993 to 2018. Miller had his own law practice in Reedsport and was a member of the Oregon State Bar from 1969 to 2023, where he served on its Professional Ethics Committee, Disciplinary Board and various sections and committees over the years. He also served as Deputy District Attorney for Douglas County, Pro tem Municipal Judge for the City of Florence, Hearings Officer for the Winchester Dam Hydro Project and was a board member for the Southwest Oregon Community College.

The release said Miller was also an active member of the Reedsport and coastal Douglas County communities. He served in many ways and was involved in a large number of activities. He married Kathleen Miller in 2001 and between them they have six children, and eleven grandchildren. The Honorable Kathleen Miller is the current Justice of the Peace for the Douglas County Justice Court in Reedsport.

A Celebration of Life for Miller will be held January 13th from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Mindpower Gallery on Fir Avenue in Reedsport.

Board Chair Commissioner Tom Kress said, “We were profoundly saddened to hear the news of the passing of former Judge Miller. He will be remembered for his quick wit and charisma. Miller had a big heart for Douglas County’s coastal communities where he was proud to call home. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family and friends”.