James William Merry

Jim was born in Canadian, TX, on July 19, 1942. He graduated from Amarillo High School, then went on to earn an Associate of Science Degree from Amarillo College, followed by a Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics from West Texas State University (now West Texas A&M University) before serving as Church Business Administrator and Youth Director at Preston Hollow Methodist in Dallas, TX, as Church Business Administrator at Munger Place Methodist in Dallas, TX, as Church Business Administrator at Waples United Methodist in Denison, TX, and as Business Administrator of The Texas Methodist Reporter. He later worked in the accounting department at Century Copi-Technics in Dallas, TX, before retiring to take care of his parents, both of whom struggled with Alzheimer’s. He was a long-time resident of Rockwall, TX, although he spent his last 15 months at Settlers Ridge Care Center in Celina, TX.

Jim was a member of the Church Business Administrators Association. He was also a member of Highland Park United Methodist, then Lovers Lane United Methodist, both in Dallas, TX, over the years, singing in the choir at both churches. He spent many years in the White Rock Kiwanis Club, where he participated in their yearly musicals and was awarded the Kiwanis Club Member of the Year.

Jim loved his pet dogs, particularly Boston Terriers, beginning with Major as a young boy and ending with Timex, with countless others in the years between. He spent countless hours with Billy Ray working on their model train collection, and he enjoyed reading, watching movies, and doing word search puzzles. He frequently mentioned how proud he was of his children and grandchildren.

Jim is predeceased by his parents Lewis and Evelyn Merry and his long-time partner of more than 21 years (and husband of almost 6 years) William Raymond “Billy Ray” Hannon. He is survived by his ex-wife Barbara Merry of Dallas, TX; his ex-sister-in-law Elizabeth “Liz” McNutt of Dallas, TX; his daughters Dianna Talkington (husband John) of Carrollton, TX, and Renee Tyran (husband Tim) of Manchester, MD; and his grandchildren Sara (husband Alex) McGuane, Rachel Talkington, Colton Tyran, Logan Tyran, and Callan Tyran.

In accordance with Jim’s wishes, there will not be a memorial service. His remains will be inurned beside Billy Ray’s remains on January 12, 2024, at Dallas/Fort Worth National Cemetery at 11:15 am. Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.