James Edward Merrell

James Edward Merrell

James Edward Merrell passed away on Wednesday, October 24, 2007 in Layton, Utah.

Jim, beloved son of Jonathan and Judith Merrell, was born September 30, 1961, in Oakland, California. He was raised in Piedmont and Moraga, California, where he graduated from Campolindo High School. He received his Bachelor''s Degree in Geography from Brigham Young University and later received a JD degree from J. Reuben Clark School of Law at BYU. He also earned a Commercial Pilot''s License. Jim served an LDS mission in Montreal, Canada.

Jim married the love of his life, Terri Lynn Walker, December 14, 1983, in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. Together they had three children, Jonathan Earl (currently serving in the Ohio Columbus Mission), Mitchell James and Hanna Marie.

Jim practiced law for Davis County, and for firms in Brigham City, Salt Lake City, and Kaysville. At the time of his death, Jim had his own practice in Layton, Utah.

Jim had multiple interests and talents. In high school he excelled in competitive swimming and water polo. He later developed his talents in cooking, auto mechanics, home improvement, and electronics. He could fix or create just about anything.

Jim''s primary focus, however, was on his family. In addition to his devotion to Terri, he was an exceptional father. Jim was extremely involved with his children and their interests, and he was very proud of their accomplishments.

Jim is survived by his wife and children of Layton, Utah, his mother and step-father, Judy and Todd Britsch of Provo, Utah, and his sisters, Kathleen McVey of Meridian, Idaho, Julia (Daniel) Busche of Fruit Heights, and Karen (Mark) Berg of Brentwood, California. Jim is also survived by his mother-in-law, Elcie Walker of Afton, Wyoming, his sisters-in-law, Janet (Ron) Drake of Warren, Idaho, Debbie (Hale) Mattson of West Jordan, Utah, and his brother-in-law, Brad (Julie) Walker of Nampa, Idaho. Jim is also survived by many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Jon Merrell. Funeral services will be held Monday, October 29, 2007, at 2 p.m. at the Flint St. Chapel, 615 North Flint Street, Layton.

Friends and family may call Sunday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lindquist''s Layton Mortuary, 1867 No. Fairfield Road and Monday from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at the church. Interment, Farmington City Cemetery.