1925-2025
James Joseph Merrill, 99, of Pine Bluff, passed away Tuesday, March 4, 2025 at Trinity Village Medical Center.
He was born May 15, 1925 in Pine Bluff, son of James J. Merrill and Mercedes Mary Metty Merrill.
Mr. Merrill was reared and received his early education in Pine Bluff before leaving school early to begin his life of military service. During his military service, he took classes at the University of Maryland and Tulane University.
He began his life of service to his country after high school, beginning with the United States Navy in 1943. He served in Japan (including participating in battles in Marsha, Bilberta Islands, Tarawa, Apemama, Taroa, Wotje, Kurile Islands, Matsuma, Paramushiru, Wake Island Marcus Island, Leyte Gulf, Iwo Jima – including D-Day, Haha Jima, Chichi Jima) and China (including strikes on Shanghi) during World War II. After the War, Mr. Merrill continued to serve in the Navy before joining the United States Air Force in 1953. He served in the Air Force for 10 years, including stops at Barksdale AFB, Francis E. Warren AFB, Egland AFB, Northeast Air Command, 64th Air Division, Hunter AFB and 3504th Recruiting Group before retiring in 1963.
After retiring from the military, Mr. Merrill worked for the Pine Bluff Arsenal and was transferred to the National Center for Toxicological Research before retiring in 1986.
He was a devout member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, where he was a member of the Knights of Columbus, received the St. George Award for service to Catholic Youth and served as a cemeterian for 45 years for the Catholic Church, restoring historic cemeteries.
Mr. Merrill continued his love for service in the Jefferson County community as a 50-year member of the American Legion Post 32 and through Boy Scouts as a 50-year member of the Quapaw Area Council. While serving in scouting, Mr. Merrill earned the Silver Beaver Award, Arrowhead Award, Wood Badge and was a Vigil Member of the Order of the Arrow. At the Saracen District level, he earned the Award of Merit and served on the Eagle Board of Review for 45 years.
Along with his parents, Mr. Merrill was preceded in death by the love of his life, Inez Montgomery Merrill, whom he married May 17, 1947, in Portsmouth, Virginia; son, Robert A. Merrill; and sister, Rosemary E. Merrill Gleason.
Survivors include his son, Glenn Merrill of Pine Bluff.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Father Joseph Marconi officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday, March 19th from 9:00-10:00 a.m. with a Vigil service preceding the Mass at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Interment with full military honors will follow Mass at St. Joseph Cemetery by Ralph Robinson and Son Funeral Directors.
Memorials may be made to The American Legion Post 0232, c/o Glen Minor, 1600 Barney Lane, White Hall, AR 71602 or St. Joseph Catholic Church, PO Box 7434, Pine Bluff, AR 71611.
