Condolence: We missed Jim, as we lived far away, but today we miss him more.

Condolence: Jimmy Merrill, little did you know how many people in Owego, NY missed you and wondered where you were through the years. You were the kindest, gentlest and happiest guy in the class, I swear. Your face always had a smile and it was beautiful to see. You are gone too soon, but better you are out of pain and no longer fighting your illnesses here. Jesus has transformed you and made you whole again. Peace is finally with you. Rest well, and may your family be soothed with those wonderful memories of your being a great husband, dad and papa. God bless.

Condolence: Gone.
My friend
My brother.
Suddenly gone
Your voice heard again only in echoes
humming through my mind. Your optimism—
fishing next spring
skiing this
winter—
Gone.
No
more breaths
no more dreams,
motorcycles,
memories, no more Vietnam flashbacks,
no more surgeries , stents, no insulin
before dinner
no dinner
no plans
no
pain
no more
constant pain,
bold optimism,
heroic, bright, smiles from hospital beds
no more, I’m fine, really, how are you?
Jesus, Jimmy
I miss you
love you
Gone.

Condolence: I first Met Jim when He and Barbara bought the house next door to us on Raceway. I believe I was in Middle School.
I have so many fond memories of Jim. Our friendship started and we would mow his lawn together and go for motorcycle rides on his BMW. We would go for long bike rides and he would share stories with me. Jim taught me to drive standard in his Toyota Tercel. One of my favorite things to do 28 years ago, was go driving with Jim. We would first get a huge coffee for him and drive some beautiful Vermont roads. I would just sit back and listen to Jim. It was difficult for me to imagine him as a Marine Vietnam Veteran and later, a Police Officer. Jim is easily of the most kind, gentle, generous, patient and compassionate souls I have ever met. His love for animals, people, living and earth is unmatched. I will miss his friendly face, smile and infectious laughter. Thank you for the memories and life's lessons old friend!

Condolence: Jim, you left too soon but I'm sure you're out kayaking with the angels. Enjoy.

Condolence: My Papa was one of my best friends. We had boys' night out. One time we went to eat out at the Jericho Cafe and Tavern with Uncle Bob. I liked going with Papa and Uncle Bob, but I didn't like the food. I liked to ride bikes with Papa, watch Star trek, and the funnest thing of all was kayaking and canoeing. When we went fishing at Indian Brook, we each caught two fish. He was the best Papa in the world.

Condolence: My papa wasn't just my papa, he was my best friend. He was also my favorite parent - no offense to Nana. (Don't tell her I said that.) My papa would tell hilarious stories to whoever came by our house. He was a very friendly man. One time, Papa was telling me a story about our dog. He said that one time he was walking in the back yard eating a donut. Our dog was right next to him. Papa was holding his donut down at his side and when he brought his donut back up to take another bite, it was gone. He looked down at our dog and around his mouth there was powdered sugar and crumbs.

I still miss his storys that he would tell us at bed time. Also he would sing us the Marine Corps hymn, Tom Dooley, and Puff the Magic Dragon. While he was telling or singing, my cat Misty would come up next to him. Papa would grab her tail and pull a little hard. She loved it. At times, he would sit next to Smokey and rub his head so Smokey just purred and purred and purred. I still remember that.

Condolence: My good friend, Jim. I miss you already.

I met Jim maybe in 2011. I was a local handyman and he called to schedule some work done on his house. His voice mail was self deprecating in true Jim style. He said something about being dangerous with a screwdriver. So we met and I began projects around the house.

As we got to know each other, it was evident that we shared a common bond. We talked about life and struggle and laughed at ourselves equally. "We're all bozos on the same bus"...was one of Jim's classic sayings.

Jim asked me a few times during that period if I had ever fly fished. I told him I had not but fished as a kid. I also remember telling him that I had so much going on that I didn't think I could fit it in...Ha! Shortly thereafter, on a day when I was working at the house, Jim said, "Hey Dave, I've got something for you." He came out of the house with several fly rods, flies, a vest, and some other gear. He told me he had some extra stuff and wanted to pass it on...He said if I used it great, if I didn't no worries.

Well, now with all this stuff i just had to try it out. So began our friendship and fishing. I asked Jim to take me out and show me how to cast. We did this a few times till I had it down, then we started going fishing regularly. I loved it. It became a state of mind, of peace, and being outside...less about catching fish. I learned to tie my own flies and fish some new waters.

One time, when I was fishing alone, I came upon another fisherman when I arrived at the parking area. We started talking and it soon progressed as we discovered things in common. When we finished our conversation, it was dark so I quickly stripped off my waders and threw my gear into the back of my truck. Nearing home, I realized that in my haste I had left the rod on the top of my truck. This was Jim's rod and reel that he had loaned me. I stopped the truck to have a look and it was gone. I traveled back the way I came but still didn't find it. The next day, I rode my bike along the route...nothing. I had to call Jim and let him know what had happened. I felt terrible. It was a very expensive rod and he had trusted me with it. So I called. When I had made it through the story, Jim said, "Ahh..forget about it! Don't worry. It was an old rod that got lots of use..." That was Jim. Nothing was more important to him then friendship...and human connection.

Jim will always be with me especially when I'm out on the rivers fishing and having a cigar like old times. I'm so grateful for his friendship.

Dave O

Condolence: My dad was a one of a kind. I hope your fishing every chance you can, and when you can't I hope your going down the slops one telamark turn at a time. I'm so thankful to have such a great dad. Your one of every few that I could always call or count on when times were tough. You were more then my dad u are my hero and my best friend. I love you dad so so much. I'll be looking forward to fishing and skiing and to hear all the crazy story's you had. Rest in peace dad. Love always and forever your son. Ralph

Condolence: My memories of Jim go way back to school at St. Patrick's in Owego, NY. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. RIP Jimmy .....