Since meeting 45 years ago, Claudia & Jim Miller have a love that has grown stronger and stronger through the years; and they still act as if they are newlyweds. Claudia remembers how lively, on point, and electric Jim was when they met for the first time. She says it was “instant love.”
The Millers are respected community leaders and want to be part of a movement to help younger generations become involved in philanthropy and supporting nonprofits.
Jim, a prominent attorney, is the founder of Miller Riggs, Denver’s preeminent business litigation firm. His national practice focuses on representing the Securities Industry and Financial Advisors transitioning between firms. He is one of the few business lawyers who is often involved in jury trials. He also serves as an arbitrator and mediator of business disputes.
Jim grew up a “navy brat” and his father was a fighter/test pilot. He spent time on his father’s ranch in Wyoming; and then came to Denver after law school where he worked for the famous criminal defense attorney, Walter Gerash.
Claudia is known for being an experienced Event Chair with a demonstrated history of working in the performing arts industry, as well as her expertise in working with nonprofit organizations, film, theatre, event management and festivals.
Claudia says she inherited many of her good traits from her mother who was extremely involved with the arts and charitable giving. Claudia’s mother was a founding member of a community theatre and volunteered at the local orphanage. She christened a World War II battleship built with funds from Racine County in Wisconsin. She also had an instinct for (and was good at) reaching out to people. Claudia’s grandfather was a diplomat in South America, and her mom learned useful skills from her worldly father.
Claudia and Jim have raised two wonderful sons and now have a grandson and a granddaughter to spoil. With lots of common ground, this love story just keeps getting better and better. Happy Valentine’s Day Claudia and Jim…. Keep making those lasting memories!
Where did the two of you get married, and what was the day like? We got married in a fever, hotter than a pepper’s sprout…. As the Cash/Carter song goes, right here in Denver. It was an evening wedding at St. John’s Cathedral with a small reception at the Library on Larimer Square. We were told that they never rented the space out for parties until Jim told them we had met there. Romance won them over!
You are known as one of the most respected and charitable couples in town; what non-profits are you involved with at this time? We are loyal to our first love the DCPA; and also the Rocky Mountain Multiple Sclerosis Center and the Nathan Yip Foundation.
As a couple, what's your first priority? Always family, including our 2 Louisiana Black Cur hounds.
What quality do you most admire in each other? Sense of humor.
What do you most have in common? A bright outlook on life.
How would you describe your life today? A forward-looking adventure.
Where do both of you like to go for a romantic dinner - in Colorado? In the 1980’s it was Cliff Young’s; in the 1990’s it was Mel’s in Cherry Creek; today it is Le Bilboquet in Cherry Creek.
What is your favorite vacation spot – and why? The vast, beautiful beaches of Cancun with the dazzling surf, the simpatico Mexican hospitality, and the moist, salted air.
What do you plan on doing for Valentine's Day this year? This year’s Valentine’s Day dinner will be a quiet candlelight dinner at home, listening to the jazz sounds of Eddie Higgins and Spike Robinson.
In your opinion, what does it take to get to that special place known as "wedded bliss"? A date night out once every week.
Tell us about a great Miller family tradition? We host a large family Thanksgiving dinner with relatives flying in from Manhattan, Napa, and Palm Springs. Too many cooks in the kitchen makes the magic happen!
What are you most looking forward to in the future? More time with our grandchildren.
What new moments do you still want to experience together? A return to romantic Paris with a trip to the beaches of Normandy where Claudia’s father fought.
How do both of you want to be remembered by future generations? That we were good parents.
