MATTOON, Ill. (WCIA) — One man in Mattoon is using the passion for his hobby to keep him going each day.
Jim Miller is battling a list of health problems, but adding to his prized collection of replica vehicles — made out of popsicle sticks — is his escape. He dedicates time to it every single day.
In just a year-and-a-half, Miller has made about 200 vehicles, including cars, train, boat and more.
From the moment Miller wakes up, he has one thing on his mind: his collection of model cars and what he’s going to make next.
“When I first started, they were ugly,” he said. “I got them hid away. I mean, they’re terrible.”
‘Lots of memories, lots of history, lots of stories’: Danville celebrates man’s 100th birthday But practice makes perfect. Now, Miller is a pro at it and even puts his creations up for sale. Rebecca Coon is one of his customers.
“I thought these were just so really neat,” Coon said. “And I said, ‘Would you make anything custom?’ And he said, ‘Sure, yeah I would.'”
Miller spent more than 15 hours working on a replica camper for Coon.
“Pretty speechless and I’m a big talker,” Coon said. “I mean, I just couldn’t stop looking at it. All night long, I kept texting him and saying, ‘I kept looking at this. This is so unique and so neat.'”
Monticello Railway Museum working to fix tracks But Miller says it’s more than just a hobby that makes him some extra money.
“I’m up and going better now,” he said. “I’ve had a little rough in my life, all my health and stuff, but this brings me out of it.”
Miller said he has a severe case of diabetes, cellulitis and some other medical issues.
“September 10, I go in and get carpal tunnel done on my wrist because I made all this,” he said.
But Miller said that won’t stop him from making more masterpieces and sharing the joy he finds from it with customers.
“It really makes me feel that I’ve accomplished something,” he said. “Making somebody else happy.”
Miller said each piece goes for anywhere from $5 to $7, with custom orders costing about $20. His phone number is 217-259-2590.
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