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James Merryman Obituary
BEAR CREEK — James L. Merryman, 69, of Bear Creek Village, passed away peacefully at 4:23 a.m., April 14, 2015, at Hospice of the Sacred Heart after an 18-month struggle with ALS. Jim had been a professor of anthropology at Wilkes University since 1989.
Jim received his B.A. degree from Nebraska Wesleyan University, M.A. from State University of New York at Binghamton and Ph.D. from Northwestern University. Throughout his career, he has been a teacher, researcher and practicing anthropologist. He has spent over 13 years in Eastern Africa, particularly Kenya, working in various development capacities under the auspices of groups such as Peace Corps, Mennonite Central Committee, Fulbright Hayes Foundation, U.S. Agency for International Development, Ford Foundation, World Bank and United Nations High Commission for Refugees.
Born July 12, 1945, he was a son of the late Ruby and LeRoy Merryman of Shickley, Nebraska.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his step-father, Virgil Eppler; parents-in-law, Kenneth and Beatrice Hawk; and sister, Bonnie Nunn.
Jim is survived by Nancy, also an anthropologist, his wife and research partner of over 42 years. He is also survived by their daughter, Juliann, completing a M.A. degree in international relations and security studies at Syracuse University. Jim has four sisters, Karen Loseke, Janis Lautzenhiser, Maryann Anderson and Connie Eppler; and numerous nieces; nephews; grand-nieces and grand-nephews.
Jim's life will be celebrated at a memorial service 2 p.m. May 2 at the Dorothy Dickson Darte Center for the Performing Arts, Wilkes University, corner of River and South streets.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the ALS Association Greater Philadelphia Chapter, 321 Norristown Road, Suite 260, Ambler, PA 19002; [email protected]; or to the charity of your choice.
Jim and his family are grateful for the lifelong privilege of interacting with students in America and residents of East Africa, who have taught us the values of tolerance, cultural diversity and global appreciation. We are also deeply grateful to the advisers and medical professionals who have eased Jim's transition.
Arrangements entrusted to the Hugh B. Hughes & Son Inc. Funeral Home, Forty Fort.
For more information or to send the family an online condolence, please visit the funeral home website at www.hughbhughes.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Merryman
Kathy (Hesse) Rudd
May 15, 2015
Nancy, I am so sorry for your loss. I just learned of Jim's passing and am saddened by the news. I am thankful that Jim made it to our last class reunion in Shickley, NE in May of 2013. He was a popular person and a genuine friend to all. He will be missed.
Adam Burke
May 1, 2015
Dear Nancy and Julianne,
I would like to offer my deepest condolences for your loss. Jim's passionate and enthusiastic approach to teaching anthropology as "the study of the human experience across all space and time" instilled in me a great curiosity that ultimately grew into a rewarding career. His mentorship and support comprise the foundation of my interest in anthropology. Jim's passing represents not only a loss to the field, but also the loss of superb and fervent educator. Your family is in my thoughts.
Helen Sgarlat
May 1, 2015
Dear Nancy,
I have been searching for the correct words to convey my sympathies to your family. James always had a smile whenever I saw him. He enthralled me with his travels and shared photos of his Silver Back encounter. Please know that even though our meetings were necessary they were never dull. I know how much his family meant to him and he to them. Should the need ever come for someone to "just listen", please feel free to call on me. My heartfelt condolences to all who knew and loved James. (CDI-LAB)
Marie Tillman
April 27, 2015
So sad to hear about Jim. My thoughts are with you Nancy and with Juliann. Lots of hugs and love to you both.
Ian Deshmukh
April 27, 2015
Lovely to hear from you Nancy, despite the sad, sad news about Jim. Nanny and I are thinking of you and Julie - and of course back to our times in Muqdisho.
April 26, 2015
Dear Nancy and Julianne,
My brother, Dan Kopen, wishes to covey his sincere condolences. Jim was a wonderful person who will be greatly missed.
Pam Kopen
April 20, 2015
Dear Nancy and Juliann, there just aren't enough words to express my condolences. Jim was a good friend and colleague and, in my mother's words, "a real gent." I miss him, but I also feel that we're all pretty lucky to have had him in our lives. With sympathy & love - Gina, William & Victoria
Blair Seitz
April 20, 2015
What a man! So much fun, so much intelligence, so much energy, so much good for others, so much cultural understanding and international helpfulness--from the day I met Jim and Nancy in 1972, in Garissa, Kenya, to photograph their incredible project of helping destitute Somalis to grow veggies to our recent summer swim in Bear Creek lake, Jim has been an affirming friend, an enthusiastic optimist and a companion worth emulating. Love ya Jim. And I love you Julianne and Nancy.
Bob Adams
April 20, 2015
Met Jim at the Wilkes Barre YMCA several years ago. Truly one of the nicest people I've known. So sorry for your loss.
April 20, 2015
We are sorry to learn of the passing of Jim, but grateful for his service to our nation with the Peace Corps.
Our Condolences,
The National Peace Corps Association
Tony Liuzzo
April 20, 2015
Nancy: My thoughts and prayers are with you on the tragic loss of this great man.
Michelle Yaple
April 20, 2015
Nancy and family - I am so sorry for your loss. Nancy - I have never met a woman more in love and in tune with her husband. I'm sure words could never do justice to the pain you are feeling. I'm sending my love and prayers for all of you.
Jim Harrington
April 20, 2015
So terribly sorry for your loss. Jim was a great friend and colleague.
Alyssa Ciesla
April 19, 2015
Dr. Merryman was my undergrad professor at Wilkes and after inviting me on a trip to Tanzania in 2008, he inspired me to serve in the Peace Corps (Guyana 2010-2012) I owe a huge part of the successes I've had professionally and personally to his inspiration. So shocked to hear this news and all my condolences to his friends and family.
Kate Dempsey Jones
April 19, 2015
My love, prayers and deepest sympathies to Nancy and Julie on the loss of Jim. Such an amazing man...
Thomas Harrington
April 19, 2015
Dr. Merryman, I am so sorry for your loss. I know he was your soul mate in every sense of the word. (((((HUGS)))) May God give you peace and strength during this sad time. Sincerely, Tom H.
Bruce Christian
April 19, 2015
My condolences to all of Dr. Merryman's family. I was a student of Dr. Merryman at Wilkes University back in the early 90s and always loved his personality and wit. Jim, as I was later told to call him since I wasn't a student anymore, and I reconnected years later at the Wilkes Barre YMCA where we shared some great conversations. I will always remember watching him move from one exercise machine to the other with the quickness of a 20 year old. I can still hear the depth and projection of his voice. You are in my thoughts and prayers sir.
Irene Davis
April 19, 2015
Dear Nancy..my love and prayers are with you and your daughter at this time. I know the heartache you are feeling. So thankful for all the years of beautiful memories you and Jim have made together.I wish I could give you a hug but just know our sweet Jesus is there with you . Love and prayers..Irene(Arbogast) Davis
Kathy (Harris) Brown
April 19, 2015
Nancy & Juliann, prayers & hugs for you as you mourn the loss of Jim. A very nice man and a great teacher.
reamer evans
April 19, 2015
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
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