James (Jim) R. Merrill

James (Jim) R. Merrill, 79, resident of Jeffersonville, GA, formerly of Milford, NH passed away on June 8, 2023 at Pine Pointe Hospice House in Macon, GA.

He was born on December 10, 1943 in Boston, MA, the son of Robert and Thelma (Boulter) Merrill. Jim was raised and educated in Milford, NH.

Jim was a proud veteran of the U.S Army and served as Commander of VFW Post 4368 in Milford, NH for several years. His work life took him in many directions; running Merrill’s garage on Elm St., the family business started by his parents; Merrill’s Construction, running heavy equipment and building houses; owned and operated a pizza restaurant in Florida; as well as a General Contracting Superintendent with projects all over the U.S.

Jim was a people person and always enjoyed a good chat with friends, family, or even strangers. He loved joking around and making people laugh. Jim enjoyed family time, car racing, building Model-Ts, cooking, movies, target shooting, gun collecting, and traveling. More recently he spent time volunteering with his wife’s students at the Wimbish Adventist School in Macon, and relaxing with his beloved dog, Ginger.

Jim lived in many states from New England to the South, and recently a few years in Montana, before settling in Georgia where he was working to remodel the home he would share with his wife. In all the places he traveled he became part of a caring community of friends tied to the Seventh Day Adventist Church.

He is survived by his wife, Ruth (Roberts) Merrill of Jeffersonville, GA; brother William Merrill and wife Sherry of Port Richie, FL; daughters Lisa Merrill Thornton of Jeffersonville, GA, Christine Schwab, Debbie Merrill and fiancé Sam Stevens, Michelle Duchesne and husband Matt all of Milford, NH; and four granddaughters, Amanda, Kendall, Ryleigh and Peyton Schwab.

He was predeceased by both of his parents, his brother, Russell Merrill, and two sons-in-law, Matthew Schwab and Christopher Thornton.

A graveside service will be held on Sunday, July 9th at 2:30 at New Boston Cemetery, 99 Cemetery Road, New Boston, NH followed by a Celebration of Life at the VFW in Milford, NH.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Wimbish Adventist School Worthy Student Fund, mail to 640 Wimbish Rd. Macon, GA 31210.