James Cullen Merriman

James C. Merriman, 77, passed away on Saturday, April 7, 2012, at Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare-All Saints.

James was born in Mississippi to the late Toy and Audrey (nee: Mitchell) Merriman on July 15, 1934. He was united in marriage to Darlene (nee: Exner) on January 15, 1972. He had been previously employed by J.I. Case Company before his retirement.

A strong, devoted believer in his faith, James enjoyed being an usher for First Church of God in Racine. He also enjoyed the outdoors, whether he was fishing, hunting or tending to his garden. But most of all, he loved spending time with his grandchildren.

He will be dearly missed by his wife, Darlene; their children, James Matthew (Heather) Merriman, Robert Ryan (Donna) Merriman, and Michelle Marie (Isaac) Venn; their grandchildren, Gabriel Merriman, Alyssa Venn, Abigayle Venn and Annelyse Venn; his brother, Charlie; his sisters, Helen, Peggy, Brenda, Christine and Sandra; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his daughters, Emmie “Marilyn,” Sue Ellen and Theresa; and his son, Jerry. James was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Paul; sisters, Nancy and Norma; and a special uncle, Herschel.

Funeral services in honor of James will be held at Wilson Funeral Home on Friday, April 13, 2012, at 11 a.m. with Rev. Ryan Reed officiating. Entombment will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park. Relatives and friends are invited to meet the family on Thursday, April 12, 2012, at the funeral home from 5 to 7 p.m. and again on Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of service.

The Family would like to thank Dr. Shimshak and Dr. Dingrah for their kind and compassionate care of James.

Wilson Funeral Home
1212 Lathrop Ave., Racine 262-634-3361