John Miller (Virginia politician)


John C. Miller was an American journalist and politician. A Democrat, he was elected to the Senate of Virginia in 2007, won re-election twice by increasing majorities, and died during his final term. He represented the 1st district on the Virginia Peninsula, which comprises the city of Williamsburg, parts of the city of Suffolk, parts of York County, James City County and the cities of Hampton and Newport News.

Early and family life

Born in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania on December 9. 1947, Miller graduated from Northern Illinois University with a bachelor's degree. He married and had a daughter and son.

Career

Miller worked as a presenter at WVEC-TV for 18 years, and then as director of community outreach for Orion Air. Previously, Miller worked for U.S. Senator Paul Trible, at Christopher Newport University and public broadcasting station WHRO. He was also active in many community organizations, including Smart Beginnings of the Virginia Peninsula, People to People, and Peninsula READS, among other organizations.
First elected to the Virginia Senate in 2007, he won re-election in 2011 and 2015. In his last session Miller shepherded a major high school education reform bill to passage. In the Virginia senate, Miller helped establish a bipartisan coalition known as the Commonwealth Caucus, especially to work on issues relating to redistricting and education reform. Miller also worked to protect the Chesapeake Bay, military families and to end childhood obesity.

Death and legacy

Miller was found dead in his home, of an apparent heart attack on April 4, 2016. He was survived by his wife, son, daughter and grandchildren. Two governors as well as many other dignitaries were among the hundreds of mourners at his funeral at First Baptist Church Denbigh.