James Harold "Jim" Merritt

James Harold Merritt of Turlock, California, passed away at the age of 78.

Jim was born in Stockton to William and Virginia Merritt. He lived most of his life in Turlock and is a Vietnam War veteran and a retired medical radiology technologist, or X-ray tech, a position he enjoyed for more than 40 years.

After graduating from high school in Tulare, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving from 1965 to 1969. He worked as a sonar operator aboard a nuclear submarine- the U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln- and was stationed at New London, CT. While there, he met his wife of 44 years, Barbara, a native of Bronx, New York. They married and relocated to California, eventually settling in Turlock where they raised daughter Christine.

Jim attended radiology school on the GI bill and received training at Exeter Memorial Hospital and Kaweah Delta District Hospital. In 1972, he moved the family to Turlock to work at Emanual Medical Center, where he was ultimately promoted to chief radiology technician. After more than a dozen years, he took a position at Turlock Orthopedic Center and later worked at Family Medical Group until he retired.

Jim was a person who loved California- the weather, the mountains, the beaches and its rich history. He interviewed many cousins to uncover the stories of his family. This includes ancestors who fought in the Revolutionary War, those who traveled West by wagon train in search of gold, and early California pioneers who farmed in Cottonwood, Reedley and Turlock.

Having grown up in the time of hot rods, drive-ins and sock hops, he often said the American Graffiti movie was a portrayal of his youth. He loved restoring cars, and he and Barbara enjoyed all the people involved in this world of car shows, concerts and Graffiti events in Modesto. They were charter members of the Mid-Valley Region of the Vintage Chevrolet Club of America and members of the Central Valley Chapter of Inliners International.

He and Barbara were enthusiastic fans of the San Francisco Giants and Forty Niners.

A Vietnam War veteran, Jim was a member of the Wahoo Base of the U.S. Submarine Veterans, Inc. He was a member of the Holland Club of this organization for having been qualified in submarines for more than 50 years. He was a member of Ione-based VFW Post 8254 and the United Service Organizations or USO.

Jim leaves behind many years of wonderful memories with family and friends. He is preceded in death by his wife Barbara and is survived by his daughter Christine Souza and grandson Aidan Souza.

A memorial service will be held at Allen Mortuary on Thursday, October 9, 2025 starting at 1 p.m. Burial will follow at Turlock Memorial Park.

Remembrances in Jim's name may be sent to the donor's favorite charity.