James A Merritt

James A. “Jim” Merritt, age 80 passed peacefully on September 10, 2026 at home.

James was born to Clayton and Agnus Merritt on July 16, 1946 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

He was a 25 year plus employee with Greif Brothers in Rosemont, Minnesota. After retiring he went on to work security at Treasure Island Casino for 10 years. Jim also served his country in the National Guard.

His happiest place was just sitting in his garage or on the porch at his cabin.

He loved his cabin in Frederic, Wisconsin, where he spent much of his retired life just fishing, playing cards, going to coffee and having potlucks with his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife Karen (Arndt); children, Cliff (Suzie) Harrington, Kurt Merritt, Lorraine Merritt, Delores Ortega, Todd Harrington, Jason Merritt; daughter-in-law, Karen Harrington; grandchildren, Danielle, Jordan (Sharon), Alex (Samantha), Beth, Katie, Peyton, Alli, Tiffani, Kirsten and Marlee; great-grandchildren, Winnie, Fred, Henrick, Alex, Riley, Evan, Ellie and Owen; and many family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Jeff; sister, Linda; and son, Jeff Harrington.

A Memorial Gathering will be held on Wednesday, September 16, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel, Hastings with a luncheon to follow at 1:00 p.m. Interment will be at a later date in St. John's WELS Cemetery in Red Wing, Minnesota.