Gretna, VA – James E. Merriman, Jr. (Jim), age 80, of Gretna, Virginia passed away peacefully at Centra Lynchburg General Hospital surrounded by loved ones on Thursday, May 8, 2025.

Born July 14, 1944 in Martinsville, Virginia, Jim was the eldest son of the late James Everett Merriman, Sr. and Mary Gunter Merriman. He attended Martinsville High School where he was a member of the National Honors Society and played trombone in the school's marching band. In 1966 Jim graduated from The University of Virginia with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. He lived in Glens Falls, New York working as a chemist for several years and also obtained his pilot license.

Jim met the love of his life, Janice McCranie, while living in Eastman, Georgia, and the two were wed on January 2, 1982. After relocating to Lilburn, Georgia he obtained his Master of Business Administration from Georgia State University in 1989 and held various positions in accounting for several companies throughout the years.

Mr. Merriman was an avid reader and enjoyed studying the Bible. He was baptized on December 21, 1957 as one Jehovah's Witnesses. One of his favorite scriptures was Revelation 21: 3 & 4.

Mr. Merriman was predeceased by his father, James E. Merriman, Sr., his mother, Mary Gunter Merriman and his wife, Janice McCranie Merriman.

Mr. Merriman will be lovingly remembered by his daughter, Joy Shiver Das (Michael) of Eastman, Georgia; his sister, Annette Merriman Roncaglione (Michael) of Gretna, Virginia; his nephew and traveling buddy Jared M. Roncaglione of Lynchburg, Virginia.

A Memorial Service for Mr. Merriman will be held in Eastman, Georgia at a later date.

Colbert-Moran Funeral Home, Gretna is assisting the family.  Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.colbertmoran.com