Obituary for
James Earl Merrill
Jim passed Thursday with loving care at the V.A. Hospital in White River, Vt.
Shortly after September 11, Jim Merrill was told he couldn’t bring his fly rod onboard a plane. “When a decorated combat veteran can’t bring a fishing rod to Montana,” he said, “terrorism has won.” Jimmy arrived in Missoula, fly rod in hand. It is the only time I remember him mentioning his war medals. If there is a heaven, Jim should arrive there as a highly decorated human being. His life was one of serving, of giving, of loving others without thought for the cost to himself.
Jim served our country as a Marine, fighting two tours in Viet Nam, and then as a policeman in Winooski, Vermont. He worked tirelessly as a child advocate, helping disadvantaged and troubled youth first in Great Falls, Montana and then in Burlington, Vermont where he was a counselor for The Baird Center and Addison County Mental Health until complications from agent orange diabetes and resultant heart disease forced his retirement.
Some of you reading this have received free fly rods or fishing lessons from Jim. Perhaps you’ve ice climbed or skied with him, seen him on a motorcycle or in a sea kayak on Lake Champlain. Jim lived life exuberantly, and always projected optimism. When he spoke to me from the V.A. hospital a few days before his death, he promised we’d fish in Montana next summer.
Those left behind to love Jim and tell his stories include Barbara Merrill, his loving wife of 30 years, his sons Ralph and Aden, his daughters Deserea and Brianna, his brother Tom Merrill, life-long friends Robert Lee and Carl Berntsen, and many others whose lives Jim touched in positive ways. Rest in peace old friend. You gave all you had.
A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship on Rt. 15 in Jericho on Saturday, December 3 at 3:00. You may view further information and share memories by visiting the obituaries at www.awrfh.com. Donations may be made with acts of kindness and caring for the earth.
