//cdn.lifestorynet.com/fh/obituary-default.jpg//cdn.lifestorynet.com/fh/obituary-default.jpgObituary
James "Jim" Merkle, 84, of Kalamazoo County, passed away peacefully on June 14, 2025, surrounded in love by his family.
Born to Carl and Beulah Merkle, Jim grew up in Kalamazoo County and graduated from Richland High School, where he was a standout in basketball, baseball, and football. He married Janice (Tiller) Merkle on July 22, 1961, and together they built a life rooted in love, family, and faith.
Jim was the proud father of six children: Jim (Kim), Bret (Liz), Angela (1969), Marria Ouzoonian (Brendon), Robyn Smith (Josh), and Kristyn. He was a devoted grandfather to Nathan Sarles (Tamara), Zach, Andrew (Maddy), and Matt Ouzoonian; Trevor and Cody Smith (Paige); Zoey Rosato and Zander VanderZouwen.
A man of many talents, Jim had a lifelong love for the outdoors. He was an avid hunter and fisherman who loved woodworking, spending many hours in nature and in his workshop.
Jim will be remembered not only for his hobbies and love of nature, but for his sharp wit and warm sense of humor. He had a way of making people laugh, even in hard times, and never missed an opportunity to share a clever one-liner or make a joke.
Jim was a man of faith who believed in the promise of heaven and carried that quiet assurance with him throughout life. He was preceded in death by his daughter Angela, his brothers Don and Bob, and his sister Sharon Reichwald (Bell Merkle).
Friends are invited to visit Jim's family on Sunday, June 22 from 2-4 PM at Langeland Family Funeral Home, 622 S. Burdick St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007. A funeral service will be held on Monday, June 23 at 1 PM at Haven Reformed Church, 5350 N Sprinkle Rd, Kalamazoo, MI 49004 with an hour of visitation prior.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Kairos Dwelling, a non-profit home for the terminally ill that took exceptional care of Jim in his last week of life.
2 Timothy 4:7, "I have fought the good fight, I have run the race, I have kept the faith."
Please visit Jim's memorial webpage to share memories and condolences with his family at https://www.Langelands.com