Jimmy Eugene Merrifield

Jimmy Eugene Merrifield was born March 16, 1957 in Bonners Ferry, Idaho to Raymond Willard Merrifield and Irma Artice (George) Merrifield.  Jim was the youngest of the four Merrifield children. 

 Jim attended Naples grade school.  He enjoyed Basketball and scouting in those years. In 1975 he graduated from Bonners Ferry High School. While in high school he worked at Continental Hops, Safeway, and at several farms getting their hay in. 

 In 1977 Jim married Jean Veberes in Kalama, Washington, and two sons were born to them:  Jered Daniel Merrifield and Justin Ray Merrifield. 

 Jim moved to Crescent City, California in 1979 to work at Miller Redwood Sawmill.  

He moved to Molala, Oregon to work at another mill. He worked at the Usk, Washington Mill and then for J.D. Lumber Company in Priest River, Idaho, where he was the head-rig operator. For a time he worked in the oil fields in North Dakota. 

He also did welding in Colburn, Idaho and most recently operated “the quad” at the Evergreen Forest sawmill in McCall, Idaho. 

 He was a man of many talents:  wood work, farming and hunting.  

He loved camping, fishing and water skiing, and often went hiking.  He was a certified scuba diver.  

He had a great sense of humor.  Jim’s family always felt blessed with his great attitude and love of life. 

 Jim passed away suddenly the evening of January 12, 2016 at his home in Blanchard, Idaho. 

 He is survived by his sons:  Jered of Blanchard and Justin of Portland, Oregon and grandchildren Adaline and Landon of Oregon; his mother, Irma Merrifield in Post Falls, Idaho, his older brothers, Larry (Melodee) of Priest River and Bob (Carol) of Athol, a sister Judy (Bruce) Ottoson of Spokane, and two aunts:  Ruthy Kassens of Boise, Idaho and Irene Rice of Bonners Ferry, Idaho.  He was blessed with a large “family” of nieces, nephews and cousins who will always miss his smile. 

 Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 23, 2016 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Bonners Ferry, Idaho.   Jim has now joined his Dad in Heaven to smile upon the family.