According to the Detroit Free Press, "Miller won a high place in the admiration of his teammates through his stellar work at quarterback in the Minnesota game.

[6] However, in December 1910, Miller became embroiled in a scandal that attracted national newspaper coverage when it was discovered that he had played the 1909 football season without registering for or attending classes during the fall semester.

[10][11] In a draft registration card completed by Miller in September 1918, he indicated that he was a resident of Highland Park, Michigan, working in the moving and storage business.

[12] At the time of the 1920 Census, James J. Miller, age 33, was a resident of Highland Park, Michigan, along with his wife Edith, son Henry L., and daughter Janet.

[13] At the time of the 1930 Census, James J. Miller, age 43, was a resident of Grosse Ile, Michigan, along with his wife Edith, son Leonard, and daughter Janet.