Body of Monroe County election official found in trunk of vehicle

By ANN KEIL
6 News Reporter

SWEETWATER (WATE) - A body found in the trunk of a burnt vehicle Saturday night is that of a Monroe County election official.

Both the family of the victim and a law enforcement source in Monroe County have confirmed that the body of Jim Miller, chairman of the Monroe County Election Commission and first district chairman of the Monroe County Republican Party, was found in the burnt vehicle's trunk.

"It's possible I was the last person that actually spoke to him," said James Brown, Miller's longtime friend and colleague.

Brown continues. "Anytime you call Jim, day or night, he was there. He was a top fellow. He was like that with anybody."

In a press release issued Sunday evening, Miller's wife Vickie and her family said they "wish to thank all those who have expressed their condolences and offered their comfort and sympathy" regarding Jim Miller's death.

Miller was also the President of Jim Miller Excavating Company.

The statement goes on to say that "Jim was always the first to answer the call of any city, organization, or member of the community in need. He will be sorely missed."

A sheriff's deputy reported seeing the vehicle fire on Sands Road at about 8 p.m. while on patrol.

The vehicle was fully engulfed when the deputy arrived.

Firefighters from the Christianburg Fire Department responded to the scene and extinguished the fire.

While putting out the flames human remains were found in the trunk of the vehicle.

The Monroe County Sheriff's Office is working in conjunction with the TBI and the Tennessee State Bomb and Arson division on the investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Sheriff's Office at (423) 442-3911 or Monroe County Dispatch at (423) 442-4357.