James Merriman

April 23, 2008

James (Jim) Merriman was promoted to glory on April 23, 2008. He was born on February 21, 1949 in Deckerville the third of four children born to the late David and Orpha (Reinelt) Merriman. His siblings are Richard (Dick) of Texas, Roger of Suttons Bay, and Ann Merriman of Port Sanilac. Jim met his future wife, Ruth Sepsey, on a blind date. But it had to be on the second try, as Ruth was rushed to the hospital before they could go out. She was found to be okay and went out the next night. They were married on September 4, 1981 in the Wheatland Missionary Church, Deckerville. Jim and Ruth always believed that the Lord brought them together through the many experiences of their lives. They took their vows very seriously which is what helped them deal with all of the pain Jim suffered in the last several years. Together they raised two boys, Richard Stephen and Scott Ryan, who excelled at sports, are gentlemen, and the pride and joy of their parents. Jim was very close to his two brothers and sisters-in-law, Richard and Barbara of TX., Roger and Janice of Suttons Bay, and his sister Ann of Port Sanilac. Other special friends include Phil Caswell, Fred (Fritz) Regentin, Al Broughton, Karl Buhl, Charlie Sanford, Jim Young, Vern Geister, Jim Turbok, and Don Teeple, who were childhood friends and co-workers. He was also close to his extended family, one surviving uncle, Willis (Ilene) Merriman and three aunts, Mrs. Ida Wagner, Mrs. Myrtle Merriman and Mrs. Margaret Merriman, several nieces and nephews, his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Chuck and Mary Pickett of Port Huron, John and Cora Sepsey of CO., Carol Sepsey of Port Huron, Mark and Kim Sepsey of SC., Anne and Bill Donaldson of Port Huron and Helen Sepsey of Harrison Township. Jim graduated from Deckerville Community Schools, and went on to Michigan State University where he earned a BA degree in criminal justice, graduating in 1977. He served as the Magistrate of the Sanilac County District Court for 30 years retiring in October 2006. He was proud of winning the Citizen of the Year Award in 1996 for creating the charity Thumbs Up for Kids. He was also instrumental in starting the Recycling Center in Sanilac County and the Community Corrections Work Program. Jim was noted for his writings, including two books he wrote, one on growing up on the family farm in the 1960?s, and the other about his uncle Richard (Dick) Merriman, who was killed in WWII. This was a special project for Jim as he never new his uncle. Jim will also be remember for calling on the shut-ins, his love for farming, and the Lord and the desire to serve him. His thoughtfulness toward others, storytelling and the letters and cards he would send were a blessing to others. Jim?s favorite scripture was Phil. 4:9-13. Jim always said goodbye with a smile and a wave. A memorial service to celebrate the life of Jim Merriman will be 5:30 PM Monday in the 1st Presbyterian Church, Deckerville, Pastor Julianne Pricinsky will officiate. Burial of the remains will be in Downing Cemetery. Family and friends may call at the Apsey Funeral Home, your ?Legacy of Life? funeral home, from 2:00 to 5:00 PM on Sunday and from 4:30 until the time of the service on Monday at the church. Donations may be given to the Gideon?s, Salvation Army or Thumbs Up for Kids.