James Merritt

JAMES MERRITT IDAHO FALLS, ID -- James Eldon Merritt, 75, of Idaho Falls, passed away March 10, 2007, at his home. He was under the care of Aspen Home Health and Hospice. He was born September 20, 1931, in Arlington, South Dakota, to Paul Merritt and LauFawn Skinner Merritt. After graduating from Idaho Falls High School, he enlisted in the Navy and served in the Korean War. He married Virginia Clement Soelberg July 23, 1971, in the Logan, Utah, LDS Temple. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served as High Priest Group Leader, Ward Clerk, and Counselor in the Stake Sunday School Presidency. He enjoyed cabinet making, woodworking and cooking. Survivors include: Wife: Virginia Merritt, Idaho Falls, ID Daughter: Nikki (Max) Herrell, Marietta, GA Daughter: Robin Merritt, Idaho Falls, ID Daughter: Tamara (Steve) Rhodes, Idaho Falls Son: Layne (Michele) Merritt, Idaho Falls, ID Daughter: Lisa (Tim) Aytes, Moncks Corner, SC Son: Mark Merritt, Rigby, ID Son: Dana Merritt, Portland, OR Stepdaughter: Janice (Dick) Pedersen, Idaho Falls, ID Stepson: Brent (Cheryl) Soelberg, American Fork, UT Stepson: Doug (Cheri) Soelberg, Provo, UT Stepson: Brad Soelberg, Clearfield, UT Stepson: Kent (Sheri) Soelberg, Maple Valley, WA Brother: Jack Merritt, Blackfoot, ID Sister: Pauline Flint, Rigby, ID Sister: Marjorie Gamble, Blackfoot, ID Sister: Virginia Hammond, Bothel, WA Sister: Nancy Moore, Blackfoot, ID 43 Grandchildren & 59 Great Grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Lloyd Vernon Merritt; a daughter, Adri Ann Merritt; and two grandsons, Joseph Herrell and Jensen Soelberg. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 am Wednesday, March 14, 2007, at the Idaho Falls LDS 3rd Ward, 2025 Jennie Lee Drive, with Bishop Nathan Smith officiating. The family will visit with friends Tuesday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home, 273 North Ridge, Idaho Falls, and Wednesday from 10 to 10:45 a.m. at the church. Burial will be at Fielding Memorial Park. Military Rites will be performed by the Bonneville County Veterans Team. -------------------------------------------------- Condolences received online: Bruce Stevenson Basteven@aol.com Virginia, Layne, and Kent: Sorry to hear of your loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. Bruce Stevenson & Family Linda Herbst lrfh@msn.com We are sorry to hear of Jim's passing. He will always hold a special place in our hearts. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Linda & John Herbst & family Norma Young nyoung43@aol.com I'm sorry I could not get off work to come to the viewing or the funeral. I think so much of both of you and find this very hard to not be there. I remember Jim as being so friendly and full of life and fun, also the best cook in the ward. I hope you can enjoy your family while they are here with you and find peace. I will be thinking of you always. Norma Brett and LaWana Hill We are sorry to hear of your loss, and sorry we missed the opportunity to stop in and offer these condolences personally. Please know that our hearts are with you at this tough time. Brett