James was born June 16, 1927 in Springfield to the late Fred, Sr. and Vivian (Sizemore) Merrifield. He married Vera Porter in 1948. She preceded him in death in 2007. Also preceding him in death were three brothers, Henry Merrifield of Florida, John Merrifield, Sr. of Greenville, IL, and Fred Merrifield, Jr. of Champaign, IL, and one sister Bernice (Merrifield) Hampton of Collinsville, IL.
James served in the Armed Forces during WWII. James then served in law enforcement for 28 years.
Left to cherish the beautiful memories of James are his four children, James (wife Sandra) Merrifield, Jr., William Merrifield, Sr., Robert (wife Doris) Merrifield, Sr., and Sandra Merrifield, all of Springfield; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and two great great-grandchildren.
Services are under the direction of Bisch and Son Funeral Home, 505 E. Allen, Springfield, where visitation will be held on Thursday, April 5, 2018 from 10:30 am until time of the funeral service at 11:30 am. Rev. Vaughn Beeman will officiate. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery, with military honors provided by the U.S. Air Force.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38101-9908.
Please visit the online obituary at www.bischandsonfuneralhome.com where tributes and condolences may be left for the family.
