James F. Mertel

1944 - 2022

James F. Mertel
Born: September 10, 1944
Died: September 16, 2022
James F. Mertel, 78, of Mount Vernon, WA passed away peacefully at home with his family on September 16, 2022.
James was born in LaSalle, IL on September 10, 1944 to James J. and Ida (Daley) Mertel. He graduated from Lostant Community School with the class of 1962 and subsequently joined the Navy where he worked as a submariner for 12 years. He served in the Vietnam War and was last stationed in Hawaii. After his service he moved back to the mainland, met and married Linda Slater in January 1976 and they moved to Illinois.
While back in his home state, James worked with his family farming and then was employed as a truck driver. James and his family moved to Washington State in 1996, where he continued to work as a truck driver. He and Linda retired to Arizona, where they enjoyed golf, sun and playing cards with their friends. They returned to Washington in 2018 to be closer to their children.
James is survived by his wife Linda of 46 years, daughter Susan K Chamberlain (Mount Vernon, WA), son and daughter-in-law James L and Lindsay Mertel (Tennessee) and his grandson James A Mertel (Tumwater, Washington). He is also survived by his siblings, Jack Mertel, Don Mertel and Marlene Warnell along with in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews, all of whom he dearly loved.
Private family memorial services will be held at a later date.
James loved baseball in his later years, specifically watching the Little League World Series. To contribute to James's memorial and honor his life, please go cheer on the Little Leaguers next time you see them on the field.