James "Jim" (Papa Merm) R. Merriam

James R. Merriam (Jim) 57, of Parish, NY passed away Saturday,  May 18, 2019, with his loving wife Debra by his side.  Born in Syracuse, NY, Jimmy as his friends called him, graduated from Cicero High School, and retired as a bodywork technician at Courtesy Ford after 25 years.

Jim will be remembered by those that loved him as the one that always wanted to be surrounded by his

friends and family. Whether he was hosting what everyone knew as a ‘Jimmy’ party, inviting you over

for his famous barbeque, scalloped potatoes or spaghetti pie, or just hanging out with a beer and a

bonfire where his humor and laughter was endearing and infectious. Jimmy had a knack for fixing

anything mechanical, loved growing and canning many varieties of vegetables from his garden. He also

spent many hours with Debra and his friends at his favorite place, the Bass Lake campgrounds in Parish,

NY where Jim could be seen driving his ‘big red’ golf cart throughout the grounds.

Jim will forever be missed and remembered as a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, son and

brother. He was always there with a helping hand, a welcoming meal for anyone that wanted one, and

a warm generous smile.

Jimmy is survived by his wife of 19 years Debra: his children, Joshua (Shyla) Smith, Joelle (Michael) Mohr, Jeremy Merriam; his grandchildren, Elijah, Eva, Lilly, Nastasha, William, Liam

(little man); his mother, Gertrude Merriam; his mother-in-law, Helen "MeMa" Capalario; his brothers and sisters, Charles (Anna) Merriam, Betty (David) Weston, Dorothy (Dick) Simonsen,

Susan Schaffer, Edward (Linda) Merriam, Lisa (Philip) Kuryla: and many nieces and nephews.

Jimmy was predeceased by his father Edgar Merriam, Sr., and his father-in-law Joel Capalario.

Calling hours will be Wednesday May 22, 2019 at Watson Funeral Home from 5pm – 8pm.

Services will be Thursday, May 23, 2019, 10AM at the funeral home.

Burial will follow at Pine Plains Cemetery, Clay, NY.

No flowers, please.

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