Merlin J. James

Thursday, May 26, 2016

Merlin J. James

Aug. 20, 1951 - Dec. 13, 2015

ARAPAHOE, Neb. -- Merlin J. James, 64, died Dec. 13, 2015, at his home in Arapahoe.

He was born Aug. 20, 1951, to Glen and Norma James in Norton, Kan., one of twin sons. He grew up east of Hendley, Neb. In 1966 the family moved to Holbrook, Neb. In 1971, he joined the U.S. Navy and after medical discharge, he moved to Idaho. He worked at Georgia Pacific Lumber and after moving back to Nebraska, worked for various companies and farmers. In 2007, he delivered the newspaper in Kearney, Neb. until 2014 when health issues forced him to quit.

He was preceded in death by his parents and half-brother, Henry R. Railback Jr.

Survivors include brothers, Melvin and wife, Sharon James of Axtell, Neb., Mike James of Arapahoe; sisters, Dona and husband, Paul Laverack of Funk, Neb., Bobbi Upson, Kathy Graf and Polly Clay, all of Arapahoe; uncle, Bill McConnell of Meridian, Idaho, and other family members.

Services are Saturday, May 28, 2016, 10:30 a.m. at Hendley Cemetery in Hendley, with the Rev. Becky Saddler officiating. Condolences or personal reflections can be left at wenburgfuneralhome.com

Wenburg Funeral Home of Arapahoe is in charge of arrangements.