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James Merlino Obituary
James Eugene MERLINO Jim Merlino, 64, died unexpectedly in his home on August 10, 2011. He was born in Seattle, Washington, on April 30, 1947, to Gene and Inky (Fiorito) Merlino. He graduated from Blanchet High School (1965) and Seattle University (1969) where he was President of the Ski Club and later the Tomahawk Club. He served in the National Guard and spent his entire career at American Meter and Appliance where he was President, running the business the only way he knew how like a family. Jim craved activity. He biked across the length and width of the country many times with family members and friends.He was a one-day STP rider. He was a licensed pilot, dirt biker, expert skier, and many times a champion in softball, hearts, and pinochle, as well as an avid Seahawks fan. He was an excellent cook and a generous host. He never outgrew the music of his youth and kept a pinball machine in his living room. He cherished spending time in Alaska and had retreats in Bend, Oregon and on Lake Roesiger in Washington.He traveled the world with his wife, Lynn, from Africa to Europe to Australia (much of it on his bicycle). He was easy to like and accumulated a legion of friends without the help of social networking sites. Jim is survived by his wife, Lynn; his three sons, Doug (Tracey), David (Carlene), and Nik; his step children, Tom (Elina) Johnson, Cori Johnson, Chris Johnson; and three grandchildren who had a special place in his heart, Madison and Makenna Merlino, and Calise Johnson; his parents, Gene and Inky Merlino; and his siblings, Paul (Cheryl) and Jean. A Memorial Service was held at Christ the King Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in his name to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Western Wash- ington Chapter, 192 Nickerson St. Suite 100, Seattle, WA 98109;Make-A-Wish Foundation, 811 1st Avenue, Suite 520, Seattle, WA 98104; or Seattle University, Attn: Advancement Services, PO Box 222000, Seattle, WA 98122. Please sign Jim's on-line Guest Book at www.Legacy.com Hoffner Fisher & HarveyTo plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Merlino
AnnaKarenina
August 8, 2024
Always a dear friend
AnnaKarenina
August 8, 2022
G´day Jim, you will always be in my inner circle of dear friends. Thank you for being a part of my life on a bicycle, over a meal, under a tree, having quiet yet deep conversations about our lives. You were one of THE most authentic, caring, wise, fun people I have had the pleasure of meeting. I imagine whatever comes after this realm you are enjoying it to the max. Aloha, namaste
Pat&Duke Vogt
August 22, 2012
Jim...We have loved and missed you every day for a year now! Our love will continue to grow, as we reflect on your greatest gift. Your ability to love, to be loved and to be able to live life and experience joy each day of your too short life. We should all be just like you!!Xo Pat and Duke
Mike Egan
September 22, 2011
To the Merlino Family,
I just learned of Jim's passing last night and am still reeling from the news. I met Jim at Blanchet when I transfered there junior year. Jim was always a straight shooter and gentleman. I was able to visit him a year ago while in Seattle and he took time to make my wife and I feel so welcomed. He will be missed as will his honesty and integrity. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time.
AK K
September 15, 2011
You will ALWAYS be my friend Jim. I just today found out you left us. I have been away. Soooo glad we got to chat days before you passed. I am still in shock. Have left messages for your precious Lynn. Healing hugs to all your adorable family. You have left a mountain of family and friends missing you, loving you, praying for you, my dearest old friend.
Ron Pollock
September 12, 2011
Lynn, I was stunned and shocked to hear about Jim's passing. I found out this morning from an email from a mutual friend. Over the past 4-5 years our business relationship had grown into a good friendship. When we would meet in Anchorage, I loved hearing about the bike trips you and Jim had been taking the past few years....very impressive adventures.
Jim was a truly unique individual and will be missed by all who knew him.
Lue Isaac
September 11, 2011
I found out about Jim's passing in such a Seattle/Merlino way- the reader board at American Meter. My heart goes out to all of the Merlino clan for your loss.
September 4, 2011
memories are what we leave --and the good ones last forever--may jims whole family take these simple words in remembering the good times and values of jims life.
Our special prayers are added to all the rest, for you all.
armandino and marilyn batali
September 1, 2011
Lynn, We love you. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Gene & Maryann Condon
Tim Kneeland
September 1, 2011
I'm shocked and feel a great loss. I got to know JIm through cycling and always felt he had a generous spirit and was a true adventurer. He loved life, had a great sense of humor, and loved his family and friends. Jim will be missed by the hundreds of people who were lucky enough to have been in his life. My best to Lynn, his children and grandchildren. We have lost a great, great man and friend.
Monica Eddy
September 1, 2011
Jim was awesome! He did a couple of bike rides with TK&A. He was so kind and loved his family so much! Jim, you will be missed!
Anette Flinke
August 26, 2011
I got to know Jim when I visited Lynn and him in 2006. Lynn is my second cousin on my father's side. Jim was a lovely husband and welcomed me to their home in Seattle with a great heart. We shared a common intrest in Tour de France which we watched every night. They took me to their wonderful cabin. I will never forget the week I spent with Jim and Lynn. My thoughts are with you, Lynn
August 24, 2011
August 24, 2011
I was on vacation in Canada on Jim's passing....and disappointed that I missed the Memorial Service and reception so I could have given my personal sympathy to Lynn, Gene, Inky, Jean, Paul & their families. I have a very special fondness for this entire Merlino family. Jim made a difference in the world.
Fondly
Dick Borsini
August 24, 2011
I just wanted to say what a fantastic service and reception was held in memory of Jim. Thank you to all of his family and you did a wonderful job in organizing it in a time of distress.
Tom Spear
J. Bryce McWalter
August 24, 2011
Jim was a very fine person, he will be missed.
Carol Anderson
August 23, 2011
I worked with Jim for a numbedr of years back in the 80's and never met a nicer person.
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to Gene and Inky and Jim's boys.
Carol Anderson, Spokane, WA
Joanne Onusic-Trupp
August 22, 2011
So sad to hear of Jim's passing. My mother, Filomena Pagliarulo Onusic was Angela Fioritos niece, so we are distant cousins.
Craig Burger
August 21, 2011
I look back on Jim as one of the more influential characters in my life, even though I didn't interact with him that much. The job at American Meter he gave me during summers when I was in college paid money of course, but more important was the exposure I received to real world working folks in a great small business atmosphere. Working with Jim, Gene, Jean, TJ, Terry, Tom, and the others was experience that really shaped me.
Janelle Norton Neil
August 20, 2011
To the Merlino family, Myself and family express our deepest sympathies to your family for the loss of Jim. It has been many, many years since I have seen the American Meter group but I think of you all often whenever I drive past the offices.
I pray God will provide you all with His peace during this time.
Marie Hoiland
August 20, 2011
The Southern Cross 1994 would not have been the same without Jim. Lynn, I'll keep you and your family in my prayers.
Tom and Beth Danner
August 20, 2011
To the Merlino family, How sorry we are for your loss. Jim was a great friend and person to work for. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sarah Zafft
August 19, 2011
Lynn and family, I am so deeply sorry for your loss.
Jim always made me feel welcome, always had a quick smile. He will be so greatly missed and I am so sorry.
I pray that God gives you peace and constant memories to warm your heart.
Mike & Peggy McCool
August 19, 2011
Our sincere condolences.
Mike Gaidos
August 19, 2011
Lynn, Carolyn sent me an email last night. One might think that after having gone through this I might have special words or thoughts to share. I don't because there really aren't any. But I have a shoulder for you and willing to listen and help where I can so if you think that would help my number is 206-240-0014. Take care of yourself. Give your mom a big hug for me and have her give you several.
Stefani Arya
August 19, 2011
Jim merlino was one of a kind and will be deeply missed. My heart breaks for his family at this difficult time. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers!
Love,
Stefani
Jim McGowan
August 18, 2011
I am an old friend of Jims son Dave.Jim took us to Husky games and on bike rides.He always treated me like family and had as much fun as we were having.I will never forget you Jim.
Linda Marty Bruce Johnson
August 18, 2011
So sorry to hear of your loss. Bruce and I have been living in Scottsdale, AZ since 1994 so our contact with Jim dwindle over the years. But bonds that are formed early in life are never forgotten. Bruce not only worked for Jim at American Meter he was a good friend to both of us. We had many good times at Lk Roesiger, playing baseball and bicycling.
I was shocked and deeply saddened to learn of Jim's untimely passing. Best Wishes.
Chris Togawa
August 18, 2011
Dear Lynn and Merlino family,
There hasn't been a day since Jim's passing that I haven't had to stop and pray for you and your loss. Being one of the proud American Meter softball players over the past 8 years I will forever have fond memories playing with Jim and watching him deliver clutch base hits up the middle. Jim was always kind, respectful, full of complements on and off the field and like the rest of us players, very proud of being the league champs the last 3 consecutive years!
Steve Alford
August 18, 2011
I met Jim through my former roommate and skiing buddy Jim "no turns" Leander. He was one of those guys you just had to step back and admire. My heartfelt condolences to his family.
August 18, 2011
Dear Lynn - I was so sad to hear about your wonderful husband. It was such a shock. Don and I are thinking and praying for you. Love, Shannon
Steve Nelson
August 17, 2011
To the Merlino family..nothing we could say could ease your pain at Jim's passing. I was just leaving Pike Place Market and caught Jim fixing a flat on his bike. We spoke of our time playing softball with Duke, Terry Gene et all and how special those times were. Damn, too soon...
August 17, 2011
To Lynn, Gene, Paul and the entire Merlino family, please accept my deepest sympathy and regards on the passing of your Jim. I enjoyed doing business with Jim, Gene, Paul and their various enterprises for many years. Jim was always a caring, happy, professional businessman and lunching partner. I grew to consider Jim and the family as friends, not mere business associates.
God bless you all,
Randy E. De Klyen
Bothell, WA.
August 16, 2011
Dear Lynn and family,
We are so very sorry and shocked to learn of Jim's passing. Our heartfelt thoughts go to you and the Merlino & Johnson families. We are thinking of you.
Carolyn (Sprague) and Bill Leak
August 16, 2011
To the Merlino family we want to say how sorry we are to hear about Jim's passing, My mother Anne Fiorito and her late husband Nick have been friends to Gene and Inky for over 60 years, and we are so sorry for your loss, Anne Fiorito and Family, Seattle, Wa.
Brice Murri
August 16, 2011
What a huge loss. Jim was a great friend of mine and fellow Board member. Even though I only knew him in his last years, I surely learned what a great person he was. He will be missed.
August 16, 2011
Lynn, I am so very, very sorry. I'm thinking of you and your family. Bonnie Berg Graves
Bonnie (Schwartzenberger) Johnson
August 16, 2011
Though I haven't seen Jim since High School I remember him well as a really nice and likeable guy. May the memories you've made over the years help make this time a little less painful. Our prayers are with you all.
August 16, 2011
Lynn, please accept our heartfelt sympathy for your great loss. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you and your and Jim's family.
Kayte Teeple, Ruth and Anton Larsen
August 16, 2011
Lynn, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your children during this difficult time. Kayte Teeple (Seattle, WA)
August 16, 2011
To the Merlino Family, We just wanted to send loving thoughts to you, Jim is in a better place and can watch overall of you
Loving Thougths Mayor Ken and Marie Hearing
Brian Christ
August 15, 2011
I am so very saddened to hear of Jim's passing. I've known Jim for twenty-one years, through handling his company's retirement plan. Every time I met with Jim was a pleasure. It seemed like the first hour all we did was talk about personal stuff. He was one of the friendliest, most down-to-earth persons I have ever met. I really looked forward to every meeting. Please accept my deepest condolences.
Brian Christ, The Standard
Jim at the cabin 7/30/2011
Judy Darrow
August 15, 2011
Vella, Margie, Jeff Merlino / Gambrel
August 15, 2011
My mother, my husband and myself are so devasted by Jimmie's untimely death. He was such a wonderful, vivacious and genuine man. Our hearts go out to his entire family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. His memory will be with us always.
God Bless You
Judy Darrow
August 15, 2011
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Jim's passing. I have known him since the early 1970's and thought of him as a very down-to-earth, great guy whom you couldn't help but like. I am grateful to have had the chance to visit with him at Jim & Lynn's cabin a couple of weeks ago. And I shall never forget a prank he pulled on me years ago -- such a sense of humor! My heart goes out to Lynn and Jim's family at this extremely difficult time. We will all miss him immensely.
August 15, 2011
Please accept this expression of sympathy and condolence to the Merlino family. I can't say we knew Jim well--most of our limited business dealings with American Meter were with Jean. But that's my point--you couldn't meet Jim without him becoming your friend. Clearly, he was a gentleman of the first order. But my contact was not strictly a tangential business one, my teams (Eastlake Realty and Hallmark Realty) played at Green Lake against his for many years in the Masters' League. He was also on the roster of our senior softball team for three years, although business conditions allowed him to play only a few games the first two years, and none this year. Yet, he always answered an email or returned a phone call when I inquired as to his availability for a game. Several former American Meter players are also on the senior team; we will all miss him. As The Band's song says, "Too soon gone."
Jerry and Sammie Standal
Hornets Senior Softball
Michael Parks
August 15, 2011
Having worked for and with Jim for the past 37 years, I
can't imagine having a better employer or friend. He was a family man who treated his employees as part of that family. We all feel a tremendous loss with his passing, but vow to keep his company moving in the direction he intended. My greatest sympathy to Lynn, Gene, Inky, Jean, Doug, Dave, Nik, and everyone else in the Merlino family.
Raymond Stewart
August 15, 2011
My wifr and I send our comdolences to the entire Merlino familly. I knew Jim during the time I worked for Am. Meter and later at company functions when we could visit. Our deepest sympathy and prayers are with you.
Sara & Bob Neese
August 15, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Lynn and the Merlino family. Jim was a humble and likeable person. May the Lord hold you and comfort you in your time of grief.
Chad Waldman
August 15, 2011
My heartfelt condolences go out to the Merlino family. I am a friend of Nik's and have met with Jim intermittently through the years. He was always kind and a very gracious man. He will be missed.
Roger Berens
August 15, 2011
I grew up with Jean, Paul and Jim (the youngest) in the 50's and 60's. The Merlino's were always our family's closest friends - in fact Gene and Inky were like second parents for me. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to the entire family and our prayers are with you.
August 15, 2011
We are so very sorry for your loss. Jim was a trusted partner and friend of Kibble & Prentice. He will be missed. -Pamm Jardine
John Robertson
August 15, 2011
I am a friend of his son David. My sincere condolences to all of the family. A special salute to Mr. Merlino as a fellow AF veteran and military retiree. You are missed sir, thank you for your service. May the eternal light shine upon you forever. John Robertson, Capt, USAF(Ret), Tacoma, Washington.
Janey Nakahara
August 15, 2011
My condolences to the entire Merlino family. I work with Mr. Merlino's son Dave in Customs. Dave is such a good person, he is a true testament to what a what a wonderful father Mr. Merlino was.
Tim Sullivan
August 15, 2011
We are very saddened and surprised by the news of Jim’s passing. It has been a great honor to get to know Jim over the past few years and share a few fun moments. Lynn, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family. I am very sorry that I can’t be there on Tuesday, and heartily sorry for your loss.
Sincerely,
Tim and Sara Sullivan, Clive, Iowa
August 15, 2011
To Jean and Gene and the family, I"m so sorry to hear the news of Jim's passing Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Glenna Thomas, Seattle Executives Assn.
Tom and Gigi Gilman
August 15, 2011
Jim was a great man who was raised by a great family. Our sympathy and prayers are with Lynn, Gene and Inky and all of the Merlino familia.
Corey & Andrew McKenzie
August 15, 2011
We are saddened by the news of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to our friends, Tom & Elina Johnson, and to James' entire family and friends.
Brett
August 15, 2011
I was lucky enough to have known Jim, and especially have been a good mate to his son Nik.... my very best wishes, love and heartfelt thoughts to the family....R.I.P.
Donna Larsen
August 14, 2011
My daughter Carlene married Jim's son, Dave Merlino. I could not be happier about the loving and generous family she was fortunate enough to marry into. When I drove from Spokane to visit Carlene and her family, I was often included in dinner and holiday celebrations at Jim and Lynn's house. The always made me feel very welcome in their home.
Their kind and generous nature was apparent to all who knew them. I loved hearing about all of their world-wide adventures on their bikes. It was very clear to me that Jim and Lynn were soul mates and meant to share their life together. Jim was a wonderful grandpa to my two grandchildren, Madison and Makenna and they will greatly miss his generous and fun loving nature.
My deepest sympathy goes to Lynn and Jim's 3 sons and spouses. Jim's extended family and network of friends will greatly miss this man who gave so unselfishly to others. Jim leaves the world a better place because he was in it.
Donna Larsen
Jayne Freet
August 14, 2011
First of all to Inky and Gene. You must be so very proud to have raised such an incredible son, husband, father, grandfather and friend. My heartfelt sympathies go out to you and the entire Merlino and extended family. We are all so fortunate to have had him touch our lives. I can't thank he and Lynn enough for always making me feel so welcome. Don't worry, I'm sure he will be riding circles in Heaven on his bike waiting his turn for the next horse shoe game. God bless you Jim and your family. Thank you for loving us all!!
August 14, 2011
Jim was a wonderful man. For the past 15+ years I've had lunch with Jim 2-3 times per year, as a client of American Meter. Jim always spoke so highly of Lynn ( I remember the lunch when he told me that he had met a terrific woman) and his three sons, their wives, his siblings, his parents and now his grandchildren. He always shared pictures of his travels and family, he was so proud of all of you. My prayers are with you...
Pam Snow, Anchorage, Alaska
John & Karen McCoy
August 14, 2011
One of the joys of our lives was to know Jim, to enjoy his generosity, his hospitality, his warm and wonderful personality. He was an exceptional friend.
August 14, 2011
Jim was one of the really good guys,his family and friends will miss him forever!
~Jerry and Patty Guite
Normandy Park WA
The Vizzare Family
August 14, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Lynn and the whole Merlino Familia. Jim was truly a great man and will be missed by many.
Our deepest sympathy,
Poncho and Carrol, Johnny, Mike and Dana, and Joe and Melissa Vizzare
August 14, 2011
ON BEHALF OF MANY SEAFAIR COMMODORES WE EXPRESS OUR CONDOLENCES FOR THE MERLINO FAMILY AND A PRAYER FOR THEM ALL.
TOM MCGRATH, TOM REID, GORDON FOUTS
Lynette & Skip Gardiner-Kidd
August 14, 2011
Our thoughts & prayers are with the entire Merlino family and to his 3 boys and their families in particular. May you all find peace during this difficult time.
Andra Freet
August 14, 2011
I have always loved being around Jim because of his positive, warm and calming energy. He always made us feel welcome at the loft or at the cabin at Lk. Roesiger. No matter what Jim and Lynn were doing, their door was always open for a party, and everyone was always invited. I know his adventurous spirit will continue to live in all of us and inspire us to explore the outdoors and the world, as much as he did. You will be sorely missed, Jim.
Trevor Fortes
August 14, 2011
Great man, even greater loss. Fabulous memories of the epic bike rides we shared. My heart goes out to Lynn and all the Family at this time of sorrow.
Maira Rusis
August 14, 2011
My heartfelt sympathy to the entire Merlino/Johnson family. From the moment I met Jim, I felt his big heart, warm hugs and love of family. He was a wonderful father figure to my daughter, Elina (step-daughter-in-law) as well. To be in his company was to feel the sincerity of his friendship. You were loved by many, Jim, and you will be greatly missed.
Lance & Linda Nelson
August 14, 2011
We are shocked and saddened by the loss of Jim. He was truly a good person. Our father, Gordy, never ran out of good things to say about him. Jim cared for his family and his employees, (whom he treated like family), inviting Gordy and Vivian to company events many, many years after his retirement. We are sad, and so very sorry for your loss. Jim and his loved ones will be in our prayers and in our hearts. Our deepest sympathy.
Bud Scriven
August 14, 2011
Jim and I became friends on the Southern Cross Bike Trip,along with Dave. I remember one of the last days of the trip,Jim and I took off from the rest of the group for a 117 mile day,but he had a hotel booked and we had a great time,playing pool and enjoying a nice meal. Jim's personality, was what made him so friendly,great guy,he will be missed. My prayers are with Jim and his family.
Joel Freet
August 14, 2011
Jim was an absolute inspiration incarnate. His amazing spirit touched so many and it was a blessing to be included as a part of his family. God bless Jim and all those who are broken hearted over his passing. We all know what he would do in a time like this, and that is what was made him so important to everyone. All my love to Lynn and to Gene and Inky. Your Jim was amazing.
Tom and Kim Spear
August 14, 2011
We are so sorry for your loss. We have many fond memories of Jim. We pray for him and all of his family
Mike Lombard
August 14, 2011
I met Jim in 1994 on a bike ride accross America, where we discovered we had gone to the same high school. From then on there was a special friendship that I will miss as he was always there to listen and give advise. You will be in our thoughts and prayers and thank you for being part of our lives my Hoaloha.
Denise Robinson
August 14, 2011
I wanted to send my sympathys to the Merlino family. I was a neighbor in the Carkeek area. (The Robinsons) around the corner. Your in our prayers.
Jim Butler
August 14, 2011
Jim was a wonderful person and employer. He will sorely missed by all. May God bless his family in this time of sorrow.
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