James Hayes Merchant Sr.

KEWADIN — James Hayes Merchant Sr., 73, of Kewadin, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2008, at Munson Medical Center.

He was born Oct. 18, 1934, in Traverse City, to Roscoe and Doris (Hayes) Merchant. At the age of 17, Jim enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served his country during the Korean War. He traveled around the world twice while in the service, and he was proud to serve his country. During his military service, he met and married Nancy Himeback on March 12, 1957, in New London, Conn.

After the military, Jim and Nancy settled back in Kewadin, where they raised their family. Jim worked as an A Lineman for Cliftons Power, and then for Alpena Power, from which he retired.

Jim was an unfailing fan of the Detroit Tigers. He enjoyed cutting lawns, hunting, and fishing. His pride and joy was spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Jim is survived by his wife of 51 years Nancy; children, Wendy (James) Hatch of Kewadin, James (Barb Mihelsic) Merchant Jr. of Kewadin, and Barry (Sheryl) Merchant of Elk Rapids; seven grandchildren, Timothy, Adam, Nicholas, Andrew, Katie, Holly and Brandon; four great-grandchildren, Lily, Jacob, Mason, and one on the way; two brothers, John (Betty) Merchant and Max Merchant; a sister, Dixie Merchant; and many nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, Jim was preceded in death by a son, Dennis in 1959; a brother, Dwayne Merchant; a nephew, Nile Merchant; and a sister-in-law, Coral Merchant.

Visitation for Jim will take place this evening, Aug. 28, 2008, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Covell Funeral Home in Elk Rapids.

A funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29, at the funeral home, with Pastor Jim Hyde officiating. Burial will take place at Maple Grove Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family.

Please share a memory of Jim at www.MeM.com

Arrangements have been entrusted to Covell Funeral Home of Elk Rapids.

This obituary was originally published in the Record-Eagle.