James Edward Merritt

James Edward Merritt, age 73, of Panama City, FL, passed away on January 14, 2021. He was born on December 11, 1947 to James Clark Merritt and Dorothy Mess Merritt. 
Jim served in the Navy for 4 years. He was a 3rd generation optician for 29 years. In his early years, Jim enjoyed enduro motorcycle racing, and was an outdoorsman and an avid fisherman his whole life . Some of his best times were spent traveling with his wife, spending time with his children and grandchildren, and  snorkeling and fishing with his Keaton Beach family. 
Jim is predeceased by his mother, Dorothy M. Merritt, father, James C. Merritt, and sister Jean Merritt Judah. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Rebecca Pearson Merritt; sons, Mark (Shanna) Merritt and Aaron (Jenny) Merritt; 10 grandchildren, Hannah, Jake, Ethan, and Preston Merritt, Rylee Milom, and Thomas, Taylor, Landon, Baylee, and Brayden Turner; sister, Patricia Merritt Langiotti; brothers, Robert Merritt, and Kenneth Merritt; step-mother, Margaret Rimes Merritt.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. 
 

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