James Roger Neumiller

James Roger Neumiller (JR), 57, of Salisbury, North Carolina, died of COVID at the local hospital on September 2, 2021. Roger was born in Peoria, IL, on September 24, 1963 to the late C. Richard and Nancy (Coolidge) Neumiller. As a boy, Roger was involved in Cub Scouts, studied karate, and discovered a love of music and theater at a young age. His father was a railroad photographer, so he and his sisters spend many Saturday afternoons near local railroad tracks and waving to train conductors. Roger was a 1981 graduate of Peoria High School. In high school he participated in both marching band and orchestra, as well as theater. His work in the theater extended to community-wide productions as well. He enjoyed acting onstage in both comedies and dramas and was often found working backstage in a variety of roles. Roger entered the U.S. Army after high school and was stationed in Hawaii. After leaving the service, he attended Illinois Central College, where he continued to participate in theater productions including one summer with the Green Mountain Theater Company in Wilmington, VT. This led to studying at the Goodman School of Theater at DePaul University (Chicago). While in Chicago, Roger became a Christian and decided to study at Concordia University (St. Paul, Minnesota) from which he graduated with his bachelor’s degree. During this time, Roger developed a strong interest in technology and the early implementations of personal computers. He moved to South Dakota to work for Gateway Computers. In 1996, Roger moved to North Carolina and continued his work in the technology field. He eventually moved into self-employment and ran the Selectool company for over 10 years. Roger was a knowledgeable and well-read person. Those who knew him well say that he had above average intelligence. He had a wealth of knowledge in many areas. Roger enjoyed lengthy discussions on a various topics. His personal interests included karate, beekeeping, bicycle riding, reading and studying the Bible, photography, politics, and history. The last five years of his life, he gave to street preaching, traveling to different states and Canada. He loved the Lord and was devoted to preaching the Bible. He was very passionate about it. He was willing to help people in need when he could. Roger looked for biblical truth in his personal life as well as in political and societal issues. He was an ambitious man. Roger married Valentina (Studenets) Neumiller in 1998 in Portland, Oregon. He is survived by Valentina, his five wonderful children, Kristina, Melody, Victoria, James, and Amelia; older sister, Jane (Marcus) Neumiller-Bustad; younger sister, Kate (Bill) Neumiller Schureman; and numerous nieces and nephews. His funeral service will be at Summerset Funeral Home on Saturday, September 11, 2021. The visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m., with the Funeral Service following at 12 p.m. Burial will be in City Memorial Park. Memorials in the honor of JR (Roger) can be sent to his family. Online condolences can be made at www.summersettfuneralhome

James Roger Neumiller

September 24, 1963 - September 2, 2021