James M Merkerson Jr.

James (Merk) Mahlon Merkerson , Jr , age 72, passed on his earthly life on Tuesday, September 22nd. Merk was born December 7th, 1947 in Atlantic City NJ to James Mahlon Merkerson, Sr and Mavis Annette Pennington.

Being born in a Naval family, he has lived everywhere from Hawaii, Corpus Christi TX, Key West FL, Jacksonville FL, then Rocky Mount after his daddy passed away when he was a teenager.

He was very active in track and field and football (his true love) as a Blackbird at Rocky Mount Senior High. He thought an accounting job is what he wanted, and after a ½ semester, it was clear that was just not it. After a variety of jobs at Hudson Belk Camera Dept, Raleigh Tool and Supply, Famous Brands and Aero Services at RDU. He found his niche as a refueler.

Merk and his wife moved to Wilmington NC in 1989 where he immediately was hired with Air Wilmington as an Airline Refueler. This was his happy place. Ask him a question about any aircraft, fueling method, and even what their comtrails look like, he always had a lesson about it. When he says, ‘to make a long story short’ it never was. He finally retired after 30 years of service there, but dreamt every night of refueling planes….

He made many close friends that were like brothers to him. Too many to mention, but would like to pay accolades to Charlie Caldwell, Jiles Hinson, Brian Lee and Jack Clos. You guys are the best.

Merk and Carole were married in Raleigh NC April 20th, 1985 after playing house for over 7 years. Although there were no children, but there were many, many 4 legged kids over the time.

He is survived by his wife Carole, Sisters Vicki Mccormick (Danny) and Debbie Merkerson along with many Aunts, Uncles, nephews, nieces, grand nieces and cousins.

He was happiest fishing off Topsail Pier, watching football, scuba diving, jumping out of perfectly good airplanes and cooking.

A memorial will be held at Coble Funeral and Cremation Service at Greenlawn Memorial Park, Monday September 28th from 5-7pm. All are welcome to share their ‘Merk’stories. There have been many bent ears over the years.