Visitation will be Thursday, May 25, 2023, from 4:00 until 7:00 PM at the First Christian Church in Vinton. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM, Friday, May 26, 2023, also at the Church, with Rev. Richard Jumper officiating. Interment will be held at the Garrison Cemetery with graveside military rites.
Jim was born on July 26, 1938, in Vinton, the son of Willis and Mary (Durham) Merchant. He graduated from Garrison High School, with the class of 1957, and attended Kirkwood Community College. Jim served his Country in the United States Navy from 1957 through 1961. On July 28, 1961, he was united in marriage to Donna Schirm in Fairmont, MN.
Jim farmed and raised livestock in the Garrison and Vinton area for many years, he retired from farming in 1993. He was active in the pork producers and was an A.B.S. rep for over 30 years. He was also well known for operating Merchant's Grilling, specializing in ribs. Jim was a member of the First Christian Church, and the Geo. G. Luckey American Legion Post #57 in Vinton. In his leisure, Jim loved fishing with his family, playing cribbage, and had an affinity for swatting flies. He was known for his wonderful sense of humor.
Jim is survived by his wife of almost 62 years, Donna; his sons, Allan (Teresa) Merchant of Vinton, Marc (Renee Bell) Merchant of Vinton, Mike Merchant of Garrison, Scott (Annette) Merchant of Vinton; 9 grandchildren, Trisha (Mitchell) Bunten, Jessica (Frankie) Dulin, Chelsey (Tyler Travis) Merchant, Bryce (Colleen Finch) Merchant, Nathan (Jordan) Merchant, Michaela (Jason Wood) Merchant, Sheldon (Amanda Loya Viera) Merchant, Christopher (Caitlyn Manrique) Merchant, Jared (Hanna Gregory) Merchant; and 7 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, twin son and daughter, Dennis, and Denise; 2 brothers, Marc Jr. and Jackie Merchant; sister Jeane Husted, and half-sister, Darlene Mullinex.
Online condolences www.phillipsfuneralhomes.com
Editor's Note: Click to view a story about Jim's final fishing trip.
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