James was a graduate of the University of Rochester where he received his Bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering. After graduating, he entered the Naval Aviation flight school and received his wings in February 1964. He flew attack jets (VA-95) and went on deployments to the Mediterranean on the USS Saratoga and on the USS Intrepid to Vietnam. In 1967, he retired from the Navy, and began working for Kodak as a Process Engineer. After leaving Kodak in 1980, he joined Allied Film Laboratory as their General Manager overseeing multiple facilities. The company later merged with a public company and he became President and CEO of Allied Digital Technologies and he last worked for COHN Construction. He was a very active business consultant until he retired at 80 years old.
Surviving are his sons, James Albert Merkle, Jr. and Scott William Merkle (Kimberly) and grandson, Jeramy Mooneyhan. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Sandra Bentrum Merkle, son, Marc Peter Merkle, and sister, Barbara L. Merkle.
He will be laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, is assisting the family. Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com.
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