James “Jim” Robert Merritt, 70 of West Union passed away on Wednesday, March 6, 2024 at United Hospital Center. Jim was born April 1, 1953 in Clarksburg, son of the late Rev Robert J and Delores Jean Cutright Merritt. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Jane Ellen Willis Merritt whom he married on May 27, 1972.
Jim graduated from Doddridge County High School, Class of 1971. He retired from Dominion as a supervisor with 38 years of service. Jim was Baptist by faith. He was a member of the Friendship Lodge #56 of West Union, Vice President and Tournament Director for the International Bow Hunters Organization, and the National Wild Turkey Federation. Jim enjoyed hunting, fishing and the outdoors. He was a 4-H Shooting Sport Instructor, Hunter Safety Instructor of the Year for Lewis County, and Private Archery Instructor.
In addition to his wife, Jim is survived by his one son, Joshua Matthew Merritt (Alisa) Wardensville; one daughter, Amanda Jane Gump (Pat) Pine Grove; grandchildren, Hannah Elizabeth Merritt, Sarah Rebecca Merritt, and Noah Matthew Merritt; six siblings, Jean Strosnider (Randy) of Bridgeport, Jo Devericks (Michael) of Clarksburg, Jane Perine (Bobby) Of Harrisville, Jennifer Merritt of West Union, Josie Hardesty (Greg) of Pennsylvania; and Jeff Merritt (Luanne) of Salem; brother-in-law, Mark Willis (Lori) Bedford, NH; sister-in-law, Cindy Willis, Duck; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Jim is preceded in death by grandparents, Guy Brooks and Flossie Gay Flanigan Cutright, Clemen Gail and Jesse Lavina Baker Merritt; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Clifford “Bud” and Madelyn Bonnell Willis; brother-in-law, Rick Willis.
Family will receive friends at Doddridge County High School Auditorium, 79 Bulldog Drive, West Union, WV 26456 on Saturday, March 9, 2024 from 12Noon-8PM and at Davis Funeral Home West Union, 212 Front Street West Union WV on Sunday, March 10, 2024 from 9 AM until the time of the Funeral Service at 2:00PM with Pastor Gordy Deere officiating. Interment will follow at Middle Island Cemetery, New Milton where full masonic rites will be conducted by Friendship Lodge #56. Online condolences may be sent to www.DavisFuneralHomeWestUnionWV.com. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jim’s memory to IBO, PO Box 398 Vermilion, OH,44089 or Doddridge County Extension Services 4-H Shooting Sports, 461 Main Street West Union, WV 26456. Davis Funeral Home –West Union is honored to serve the Merritt family.