Jack Miles Obituary

Jack Warren Miles, 87, of Columbia, died on January 10, 2025. He was born on August 21, 1937, in Shelbina, to Carl and Josie Miles. Jack developed a lifelong passion for sports during his formative years. He graduated from Shelbina High in 1955 as a four-year letterman in football, basketball, track and field, and baseball. While at Shelbina, Jack proudly played under Gene Bartow as a member of his basketball team, contributing to the early chapters of Bartow's legendary career. It was also during his time at Shelbina that he met his best friend and the love of his life, his wife, Darlene.
After graduating from high school, he attended the University of Missouri where he earned his bachelor's and master's degrees in education. He was inducted into Phi Delta Kappa, a national graduate honor society in education, and upon graduation received a commission in the U.S. Army Artillery through the ROTC.
After serving two years in the armed forces, Jack and Darlene returned to Columbia, where they have lived since 1962. That same year, Jack began his role as Assistant Executive Director of the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA), a position he held for 15 years. In 1977, he took over as the MSHSAA Executive Director, a role he fulfilled until his retirement in 1992. Jack's lifelong dedication to sports and education left a lasting impact, promoting inclusivity and sportsmanship across the state. His career reflects a steadfast commitment to enhancing high school athletics. He took particular pride in the significant growth of women's sports during his 30-year tenure, which effectively doubled the size of Missouri's interscholastic athletic programs.
In 1995, the Show-Me State Games expanded to include the Missouri State Senior Games and sought someone to lead the initiative. Jack was selected as the first coordinator, a role he held for over a decade. During his tenure, participation in the games grew from 435 entries in the inaugural year to over 1,500 participants by 2005.
Jack was honored with numerous significant state and national accolades throughout his career, which he accepted with characteristic humility. In 1991, he received the Service in Secondary Education Award from the Missouri Association of Secondary School Principals. Upon his retirement, MSHSAA presented him with both the Meritorious Service Award for his service from 1962–1992 and the Distinguished Service Award in 1993. In 1994, he received the Gerald Linneman Lifetime Achievement Award from the Missouri Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association. Six years later, the Commissioner of Education presented him with the Missouri Pioneer in Education Award, recognizing his distinguished and devoted service to public education in Missouri. The Kiwanis honored Jack twice, with the Don Faurot Sportsperson of the Year Award in 2005 and the George F. Hixson Fellowship Award in 2021, which recognized his generosity and inspiration to children. In 2013, the University of Missouri recognized his ongoing commitment and contributions by naming him the Staff Retiree of the Year. Additionally, Jack has been enshrined in both the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame for his exceptional work in sports administration, and the Missouri Track and Cross Country Coaches Association Hall of Fame for his remarkable achievements in the sport.
Jack's dedication to helping others went beyond the spotlight, driven by his genuine desire to make a difference. He dedicated himself to helping people in need, always seeking out those in distress. This commitment was most evident through his deep involvement with Habitat for Humanity and his willingness to step up during times of need, such as volunteering during the Great Flood of 1993. His dedication to service extended beyond his local community, as demonstrated by his participation in the Central Missouri Honor Flight in July 2024, a moment of pride and reflection for Jack and his family.
Jack was also an active member of Broadway Christian Church for more than 60 years, where he served in various leadership roles, including Board Chair, Board Treasurer, Elder, and Co-Chair for two building projects, most notably the new sanctuary. He also cherished his role as a greeter on Sunday mornings, always welcoming members with a warm smile and a firm handshake.
He treasured every moment with his wife, Darlene, especially their travels together, including winter getaways to St. George Island and weekends at the Lake of the Ozarks. Of all Jack's many accolades, the titles he held most dear were "Dad" and "Papa." Jack's love for the outdoors was evident in his time spent gardening, fishing with his grandchildren, and taking countless bike rides along Columbia's trails with them. He passed his passion for sports on to his children and grandchildren, through coaching, cheering from the sidelines, and sharing stories of his own athletic endeavors. Whether solving puzzles, crosswords, or sudoku, Jack embraced life's simple joys with enthusiasm and energy, earning him the nickname, "Energizer Bunny." In addition to being a devoted husband and best friend to Darlene, Jack was a mentor, teacher, and coach, showing his family how to live life with kindness and love. He treasured his wife and the family they built.
Jack was a great man: reliable, compassionate, patient, genuine, and deeply respected. Known for his big, radiant smile and warm presence, he exemplified kindness, service, and love. Through his dedication and unwavering commitment to making a difference, he shaped the world around him in many meaningful ways. Jack will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Jack is survived by his wife of 66 years, Darlene; their children Greg (Lisa Gratop) Miles and Beth Guentert (Miles); and grandchildren Gregory Miles, Brandon Guentert, Samantha Cox, Dylan (Raven) Guentert and Jackson Cox. He is also survived by his daughter-in-law Jo Ann Stoda, his son-in-law Todd Cox, his sister-in-law Debbie Carrol and her husband Denny Carrol, along with several nieces and nephews and many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Carl and Josie Miles; his siblings Bill, Carl Jr., Peggy, and infant sister Dorothy; and his beloved daughter, Susan Cox (Miles).
Visitation will be held at Broadway Christian Church in Columbia on January 24, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Funeral services will follow on January 25 at 11 a.m. in the same place.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Broadway Christian Church at broadwaychristian.net, The Food Bank For Central and Northeast Missouri at sharefoodbringhope.org, or The Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital at va.gov/columbia-missouri-health-care.
Online condolences may be shared at greeningeaganhayes.com.
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