A Long Road Traveled

Taxicab driver overcomes physical disability to work for local service.

Thirty-nine-year-old Jim Miller, has been a taxicab driver for more than seven years, but the road hasn't always been easy.

He's had to constantly prove himself to people, letting them know he can drive a cab despite a physical disability, even though he's been driving since he was 18.

"They look at the cover instead of what's on the inside," Miller said.

Miller was born with arthrogryposis, a condition which is a stiffness in the joints, causing them to fuse together.

He doesn't have to take any medication, but uses an electric wheelchair and crutches to help him move around.

"I'm as healthy as a horse," he said. "I take no medications, and I feel fortunate because some are worse off."

Miller has had trouble in the past finding work as a cab driver. Companies were reluctant to hire him because of his condition, he said.

But he doesn't let that bother him.

"I won't say 'I can't do it' unless I try it," he said. "It's mind over matter. You're only as limited by your disability as you allow."

And he doesn't allow his disability to limit him much at all. Miller drives without the use of hand controls or other driving aids.

Miller has lived in Muncie for more than a year now, and just started working for a new cab company, Crossroads Taxi at 1224 S. Walnut. He lived in Chesterton, Ind. before moving to Muncie and at one time had his own cab business.

Miller got the job at Crossroads Taxi by showing up and asking if the company was hiring.

"At first they were leery," he said. "But I told them I had my car outside, and they let me do a test drive.

The company hired him after he finished.

He's been working there since it opened for business three weeks ago and he said he enjoys what he does.

"It changes day by day," Miller said. "You never know who you're going to meet. I get to help people, and it's a good feeling."

"It's one of those jobs that when you start, you just can't quit," said Misty Fox, part-time cab driver and co-worker of Miller.

Miller also has a record he is proud of - he's never had anyone get sick in the cab.

"When someone starts to say 'I think I'm...' the car is stopped," he said.

Both Miller and Fox said customers like having Jim as a cab driver.

"When people first see him, they're a little bit worried," Fox said. "But after they ride with him, they're more comfortable."

Miller said he gets a lot of questions about his health from customers, and he's happy to answer any questions they have.

"Sometimes little kids come up to me in restaurants and ask 'What's wrong with you?' The parents get upset, but I answer them because I want them to learn," he said.

When people see him in his wheelchair or with his crutches, Miller just flashes a brilliant smile and says, "Don't let the wheelchair fool you. I can drive."


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