William Merrill

MERRILL, William "Jim"
of Portage Jim passed away Sunday evening, February 6, 2011 at his home. He was born September 24, 1933 in Covert, MI, the son of Harry and Irene Powers Merrill. On November 2, 1951, Jim was united in marriage to Audrey Bush. He served 6 years in the National Guard and then served during the Korean Conflict in the United States Army. Jim was employed by Kalamazoo Paper Co. now, Georgia Pacific for 44 years until his retirement in 1995. Surviving are his wife of 59 years, Audrey Merrill; three children, Deborah Merrill of CA, Diane Merrill of CA, and Delena Merrill of Portage; daughter-in-law, Tammy Merrill of Portage; six grandchildren, David Bosier, David Merrill, Shannon Eberhard, Corey Megan Hentschel, Keith Hentschel, and Melissa Hentschel; five great-grandchildren, Dominique, Alisa, Austin, Zoey, and Benjamin; two brothers, Robert and Russell Merrill both of Plainwell; three sisters, Shirley Bill Himes, Barbara Harrison, and Gerry Herb Payne all of Florida; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were his son, David Merrill in 1989; his parents; two brothers, Richard and George Merrill; and three sisters, Lucy Mielke, Pat Paff, and Donna Austin. Honoring Jim's wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no visitation or services. Private interment will be in Ft. Custer National Cemetery. Arrangements by Langeland Family Funeral Homes. Please visit www.langelands.com to sign, view, or print Jim's online guestbook or leave a condolence to the family.