66 of Saratoga, died on Monday October 20, 2014 at his residence with his loving wife and family by his side. A service of remembrance will be held on Thursday October 23, 2014 at 10:00A.M. at Faith & Family Funeral Services Chapel in Batson. Interment will follow at Pine Ridge cemetery in Sour Lake, with military honors. The family will be receiving friends on Wednesday October 22, 2014 from 5:00P.M. until 9:00P.M. at Faith & Family Chapel. James was born September, 7, 1948 in Kountze, TX to parents; Archie E. Merrill, and Aline A. Brown. He had lived in Saratoga, for forty years and had worked as an Oilfield Sales Representative for Basil's Oilfield Services of Saratoga. James was a U..S. Marine Corp. Veteran who faithfully served his country and fellow man. He had earned The National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, The Good Conduct Medal, The Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross, Rifle Badge, and Sharpshooter. He was preceded in death by his parents; Archie E. Merrill and Aline A. Brown. Brother; Clayton Gilbert Merrill, and sister; Rita Mae Merrill. Survivors are his wife of forty years Phyllis Elaine Merrill of Saratoga, nephew; Dakota Ryen Smith of Saratoga, special squirt Savannah Mae Blanchard of Saratoga. Brothers; Enoch Allen Merrill of Stephenville, TX, Emmett Orland Merrill of Stephenville, TX, and Robert Louis Merrill of Livingston, TX, and numerous nieces, nephews and other loved ones and a host of friends. Serving as pallbearers are Dakota Ryen Smith, Lawrence Albert, Blanchard, Kenneth E. Fregia Jr. Anthony Stephen Fregia, Morgan Lee Blanchard, and Noah Kolten Fregia and numerous honorary pallbearers.