Milton James Merrill

Jim was born April 18, 1930, in Racine, Wis., to Charles and Sarah (James) Merrill. He was raised by his grandmother in Wisconsin until she passed in 1946. Jim moved out to Palouse with his aunt and uncle at the age of 16 and, soon after, they bought a fruit orchard in Penawawa. Jim started high school in Colfax and met the cutest girl and future wife, Mary Lou, there. He graduated from Colfax High School in 1948, and he and Mary Lou were married Oct. 29, 1949, in Colfax.

The couple first made their home in Harvard before moving to Pullman in 1950, where they resided until 1961. The couple moved to Lewiston in August 1961.

Jim worked in sheet metal his entire life and traveled extensively. He worked in Alaska in Tin City on a radar station and on the Alaska pipeline, as well as on a power plant in Nevada. He also worked construction on many buildings in downtown Seattle.

Jim loved Cougar football and the Seattle Seahawks and Mariners. He spent many hours watching his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren playing sports. When he retired and moved back to Lewiston in 1989 after traveling for work, he took great pleasure in being able to travel to any and all games, especially basketball. He was in Boise to watch great-grandson Ryan and the Lewiston Bengals win the state basketball championship for the first time in 61 years. He went to Spokane to watch great-granddaughter RayLynn and the Colton Wildcats win one of the many state championships in basketball. Jim was very proud of both of them, as he was of his entire family.

He loved the outdoors, camping in Elk City, hunting and ice fishing with best friend Bob. He also loved the Oregon Coast and traveling to visit family. First and foremost, Jim loved his family.

Jim is survived by his wife, Mary Lou, at their Lewiston home; children Mike Merrill of Seattle, Patty (Bob) McMillen of Lewiston, Doug (Vicki) Merrill of Seattle and Kathy Merrill of Seattle; as well as 11 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild on the way. He is also survived by a sister, Shirley Sonnenberg of Wisconsin.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers; two sisters; a daughter, Sandra McElroy; and in-laws Harold and Maude Johnston.

The family will hold a private burial, and a celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at the Lewiston Veterans of Foreign Wars Hall in Lewiston. Everyone is welcome. The family suggests that any memorial donations be made to the Lewis-Clark Animal Shelter or Family Promise.

Please sign the online guest book and leave a memory at www.vassar-rawls.com.