James Merrill

James H. Merrill passed away peacefully on Monday, October 10, 2016. Jim was born on July 6, 1922 in Portland, ME and was raised in East Sumner, ME. His father, Lester W. Merrill, was to teach him a love for the outdoors. His mother, Esther would teach him a love for the written word, music, and the congregational church in their town. James graduated from Maine Central Institute and then on to the University of Maine, which he left right after Pearl Harbor. While working in Chance Vought Aircraft in Stratford, CT, he met Alice Cecarelli and married her in January of 1944. After his brave wartime service in the U.S. Navy, James and Alice settled in Milford, where they would spend the rest of their days. James was active in the First UCC church serving as a deacon, a delegate at church conferences, and as a church moderator for three years. For two years James was president of the Plymouth Men’s Club and scoutmaster of its old Troop 1 and was a long time chaplain of American Legion Post 34. He was a master carpenter and mason who owned his own business with close friend, Howard Bailey. James and his wife Alice were avid dancers who enjoyed taking lessons and dancing in shows while on their much loved cruise ship vacations. They would also spend many years together singing in the Milford Senior Gospel Choir. Mr. Merrill is survived by his son James W. Merrill of West Haven, his son in law Peter Merrill-Oldham of Cambridge, MA, cousin Rachel Feeley of Auburn, Maine, sisters-in-law Clara Debendetto and Helen Burdacki, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his cherished wife, Alice and beloved daughter Jan Merrill-Oldham of Cambridge, MA. A memorial service will be held at the First United Church of Christ, 34 Main St. in Milford on Saturday, October 15, 2016 at 11:00 AM. Interment will be private. Smith Funeral Home, 135 N Broad Street, is handling the arrangements.