James Maurice Miles

James “Maurice” Miles, 93, of Emory Grove, Maryland, departed this life on April 12, 2025. The life he lived was rich in faith, service, love, and quiet strength.

Born on March 22, 1932, Maurice graduated from Lincoln High School in 1949. He was an avid baseball player and proudly served in the United States Air Force. He was later called upon to serve on the Wayne Williams Task Force during the Atlanta Child Murders from 1979 to 1981 an honorable and courageous role.

Maurice dedicated more than 25 years to federal government service with the National Institutes of Health, where his work was published in the National Library of Medicine. After retiring from NIH, he went on to serve an additional 20 years with the Montgomery County Government. Deeply involved in politics, he served on the Montgomery County Democratic Central Committee and was a runner-up for State Senate. He remained a lifelong advocate for equal rights. He once rode his bicycle from Gaithersburg to Washington, D.C., to witness Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech—marching for freedom and equality. Throughout his long and impactful career, he remained a man of humility, professionalism, and deep responsibility.

A die-hard Yankees and Dallas Cowboys fan, Maurice was also a faithful member of Emory Grove United Methodist Church and Dayspring. He lived out his commitment to God and community through service, worship, and fellowship. He was a dedicated member of the United Methodist Men and, alongside Rev. Glenn Taylor, helped establish the church softball team, proudly serving as a pitcher for several years. He also taught Sunday School and regularly participated in worship services, always lending his voice and presence to uplift others.

Above all, Maurice was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and public servant. He was married to the love of his life, Lauretta Miles, for 67 years. In every season of life, he stood beside her with steadfast love and care.

Maurice is survived by his loving wife, Lauretta Miles; his sister, Mary Helen Barbour; and children: James “Jimmy” Brown (Sharon), James “Jimmy” Frazier-Bey (Henritter), Denise Littleford (Edward), Noel Miles, Laurie Miles, Mark Miles (Kim), and Mario Miles. He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren: Ashley Miles, Christina Miles (Dawuan Genies), Mark Miles, Charlie Polm, Donald McKoy Jr., Aleeyah Lewis, Evan Lewis, Ayanna Hill, Jamaa Hill, James Frazier-Bey Jr., Nakia Knowles, Portia Taylor, Larry Frazier-Bey, Aaron Frazier, Amina Hamilton, Keisha Mickles, Richard Reed, and Ricardo Reed. He leaves behind 51 great-grandchildren, niece Karen Lawrence (Maverick), as well as a host of cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Nicolas and Beatrice Miles, and his cousin Anne, with whom he shared a special lifelong bond.

A celebration of Maurice’s life will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at Emory Grove Church in Gaithersburg, Maryland. The viewing will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:30 a.m.

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