James Louis Merchand

MUNCIE – James Louis Merchand, 84, passed away on Monday afternoon, April 17, 2023 at IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital.
He was born on February 5, 1939 in Northampton, Massachusetts, the son of Clayton and Dora (Martin) Merchand. He served his country honorably in the US Navy from 1956-1957. On June 30, 2017 in Muncie, he married Bobbi Lynne Washington.
James was a lifelong farmer and truck driver for many freight companies. He most recently worked for Broadway Trucking until his retirement in 1999 and was a lifelong member of the Teamsters Union, Local # 135.
He loved to cook out and enjoyed doing yardwork. He also loved building and racing cars at the Anderson Speedway where he was known as "Flip".
Surviving are his wife, Bobbi Lynne Merchand of Muncie; four sons, Ronald Merchand of Muncie, James L. Merchand of Muncie, Brian Merchand of Ft. Collins, CO and Derrick J. Price, Jr. (wife, Tywanna) of Yorktown; eleven grandchildren, Carol Ann (husband, Steve), David (wife, Kim), Jennifer, Mallory, Miles, Mandi (husband, Dickie), Mason, Shantelle (husband, Justin), Christopher, Derrick III and Gracelyn; sixteen great-grandchildren, Hailey, Jayden, Matthew, Katie, Alexis, Lakelyn, Levi, Ronnie, Lizzie, Vinnie, Braelynn, Eliza, Hunter, Talon, Elijah Merchand and Elijah Menssen; two sisters, Sandra Griswold (husband, Kenneth) of Port Richey, FL and Catherine Merchand of Virginia Beach, VA; two brothers-in-law, Wayne Anderson (wife, Tiffany) and Travis Evans (wife, Heather); sister-in-law, Genevieve Clark (husband, John); and his mother-in-law, Geneva Evans of Muncie.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife of 54 years, Caroldon S. (Hedrick) Merchand on May 14, 2017; two brothers, Clayton Bruce Merchand and Willard Merchand; and two sisters, Carol Staples.
Private family services will be held.
The Meeks Mortuary and Crematory, Washington Street Chapel is in charge of arrangements and online condolences may be sent to the family at www.meeksmortuary.com.
To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of James, please visit our Tree Store.MUNCIE – James Louis Merchand, 84, passed away on Monday afternoon, April 17, 2023 at IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital.
He was born on February 5, 1939 in Northampton, Massachusetts, the son of Clayton and Dora (Martin) Merchand. He served his country honorably in the US Navy from 1956-1957. On June 30, 2017 in Muncie, he married Bobbi Lynne Washington.
James was a lifelong farmer and truck driver for many freight companies. He most recently worked for Broadway Trucking until his retirement in 1999 and was a lifelong member of the Teamsters Union, Local # 135.
He loved to cook out and enjoyed doing yardwork. He also loved building and racing cars at the Anderson Speedway where he was known as "Flip".
Surviving are his wife, Bobbi Lynne Merchand of Muncie; four sons, Ronald Merchand of Muncie, James L. Merchand of Muncie, Brian Merchand of Ft. Collins, CO and Derrick J. Price, Jr. (wife, Tywanna) of Yorktown; eleven grandchildren, Carol Ann (husband, Steve), David (wife, Kim), Jennifer, Mallory, Miles, Mandi (husband, Dickie), Mason, Shantelle (husband, Justin), Christopher, Derrick III and Gracelyn; sixteen great-grandchildren, Hailey, Jayden, Matthew, Katie, Alexis, Lakelyn, Levi, Ronnie, Lizzie, Vinnie, Braelynn, Eliza, Hunter, Talon, Elijah Merchand and Elijah Menssen; two sisters, Sandra Griswold (husband, Kenneth) of Port Richey, FL and Catherine Merchand of Virginia Beach, VA; two brothers-in-law, Wayne Anderson (wife, Tiffany) and Travis Evans (wife, Heather); sister-in-law, Genevieve Clark (husband, John); and his mother-in-law, Geneva Evans of Muncie.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife of 54 years, Caroldon S. (Hedrick) Merchand on May 14, 2017; two brothers, Clayton Bruce Merchand and Willard Merchand; and two sisters, Carol Staples.
Private family services will be held.
The Meeks Mortuary and Crematory, Washington Street Chapel is in charge of arrangements and online condolences may be sent to the family at www.meeksmortuary.com.