Charles J. Miotke

Charles J. Miotke, 82, of Maitland, Florida passed away on Thursday December 28, 2017. He was born on December 1, 1935 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Henry Miotke and Justine Prah. Known to his friends and family as Jim. Survived by his daughter Maria, son Kris, Son-In-Law George, Daughter-In-Law Julie, and Granddaughter Natalie. Brothers Henry and Edward, their families, as well as brother-in-law, Leftedi. Jim led a life of adventure and wonder. Starting with his enlistment in the US Coast Guard at 17 years of age. He served his country for 21 years as he rose to the rank of Lieutenant Commander. He loved the Coast Guard. During his time in the military he had the pleasure of serving on ships and on land in bases around the world, including, but not limited to, the Philippines, Greece, Canada, Greenland, Germany as well as other key points throughout the United States. It was in the military, on Rhodes, that he met a Greek gal named Sophia. They were wed blissfully for over 50 years as this on-the-move couple raised their family all over the globe. Jim was always the adventurous type, so retirement was just a temporary stop. After retiring from US Coast Guard Command HQ in Washington DC, Jim and family moved to Orlando, Florida. After years of new assignments and constant relocation, they had found a place they would call their forever home. It is here that the family settled and Jim grew into his new career in the local television industry. Over the next 17 years Jim would work for national network NBC & ABC local affiliates as a top salesman of broadcast time. Eventually he landed at WOFL, local Fox affiliate, as Local Sales Manager during most of his last ten years in the profession. Upon his retirement from WOFL, Jim saw the result of his, and his team’s, work in helping grow Channel 35 from a small, sleepy street-fighting independent to a powerful, competitive Meredith-owned, Fox affiliate. Not one to slow down, after TV Jim embarked upon his third career as he charged into the field of Computer Training. During the early evolution of computer infiltration, Jim taught program classes and helped individuals & businesses set up and operationalize their computer systems. For the next few years he wrote proprietary programs, and was a leading traveling instructor for IBM Systems and Princess Cruise Lines. A MENSA member, Jim loved reading, golf, cards, swimming and fishing. Long connected by marriage, he also remained closely tied into the Orlando Greek community. Most of all, he cherished time with his family and friends. He was forever proud of his offspring and would regularly share family updates with whoever would listen. His friendships ran wide and deep. Everyone knew Jim would always lend a hand or jump in to offer advice, counsel or simply support during times of courage or need. He would light up when people laughed and he took every opportunity to offer a joke or anecdote for them to do so. Jim Miotke was confident, accomplished, well read, skilled at the gift of gab and whip smart. He was a good husband, proud father and fine friend. But most of all: Jim was good a good man. He persevered from meager beginnings and made a substantial place in this world for himself and his family. An accomplished provider, he succeeded in his nonstop goal in giving his family everything he had. Sadly, on December 28, 2017 Jim had nothing left to give. To those of us who remain, we will remember the riches Jim shared unconditionally. We will hold them close and cherish the value he provided for us all – in life, accomplishment and laughter. And we shall thank this man. For he unselfishly gave us everything he could. Rooting for our success and joy brought him happiness. And his loss is felt by an absence of the comfort that this brings. Yet for Jim, we hope that this unselfishness and his current restful state now allow him perpetual embrace in the arms of his forever love. May God Bless and Welcome Jim and Sophia as they enjoy eternity together.

Charles J. Miotke

December 1, 1935 - December 28, 2017