John (Jack) Michael Miles

Obituary for John (Jack) Michael Miles

John (Jack) Michael Miles died September 22, 2020, at his home in Sunrise, Florida. Jack was born on December 24, 1928 in Philadelphia, PA, to John Robert Miles and  Neva (Cornelius) Miles. He is predeceased by his brother Robert Mark Miles. He is survived by his wife, Nancy Dye, Sister Joan Radle (Harvey), his Sons, Chad Miles, David Miles (Marianne), Michael Miles (Susan), Daughter Sandy Hennessy (George Mays), 6 Grandchildren and 1 Great Grandchild.

Jack graduated from Germantown High School, where he was Captain of the Gymnastics team, lettered in Soccer and Track, and was voted Best Athlete. He then attended Florida State University, where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree.  While attending FSU, Jack was National Rings Champion (1951, 1955), National All-Around Champion (1955), National Vaulting Champion (1955& NCAA 1954), All Around Team Member (1951 & 1955), and member of five winning USA National Championship teams from FSU. Jack won five national titles as a gymnast, including an all-around NCAA title. In 1955 he represented the United States in the Pan American Games where he won a gold medal for swinging rings. The following year, he served as Olympic Alternate team member, in the World Olympics. Jack stayed on as FSU Head Gymnastics Coach for a short time, after graduation.

During the years following college, Jack worked as a stunt man for Frank Sinatra, Tony Randall, Bing Crosby, and William Shatner. He performed in a traveling Adagio show, worked as an actor in commercials, TV shows, movies and the Off Broadway play “Carnival” with Liza Minelli and Ann Blyth. Jack then worked as a Draftsman, Illustrator for the Florida Road Department, Statistician and Promoter for the Florida State Milk Commission, and Spokesperson for the Florida State Tourist Department.

In the mid 60’s, Jack settled in Fort Lauderdale, where he was Superintendent of Recreation, for a time. In 1968 he founded and operated Miles Gymnastics Club, where he coached a team of National Champions, including Steve Buck and Ron Galimore who recieved Gymnastics scholarships to Iowa State. Ron went on to make the 1980 U.S. Olympic Team.

Jack also worked as Supervisor of Special Events and Department Director with City of Ft. Lauderdale Parks and Recreation. In 1984, Jack was inducted into the FSU Hall of Fame and in 1993, the U.S. Gymnastics Hall of Fame and the Amateur Athletics Foundation of Los Angeles Gymnastics Hall of Fame and the World Acrobatic Society Gallery of Legends-Hall of Fame in 2012.

Jack was also an avid scuba diver with his dear friend, Bill Beavers, an incredible Photographer, a published Author of articles in Boys Life Magazine and two Children’s books, a Motivational Speaker, and an accomplished Artist in Stained Glass, Carving, Drawing and Painting. One of his most treasured accomplishments, was creating the Annual FSU Gymnasts/Gymkana Reunions and newsletter that has been continued by his lifelong friends, Beverley Beaton and hosted by Barbara Withers (2005-2020).   More information, articles and videos about Jack can be found at http://www.nolefan.org/hof/miles_jack.html

He loved the ocean and instilled that love in his children and students. Cherished husband, father and friend, known for his charm, wit and ability to inspire people. He lived a truly amazing life and will live on in our hearts.