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James Merchant Obituary

James Martin Merchant 12/02/1930 - 08/27/2020



James Martin Merchant, age 89, of Simpson, Illinois passed away at 6:45 a.m. Thursday, August 27, 2020 at the Herrin Hospital in Herrin, Illinois.

James was born December 2, 1930 in Grand Chain, Illinois.

James and Veronica Maxion Merchant were united in marriage in 1988.

James was a lifelong farmer (since the age of 22). He was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps. He had been employed at the Vienna Correctional Center from 1984 until his retirement in 1992. He was the former Johnson County Democrat Chairman. Former member of the Vienna High School Board of Education. He was a former aide/bodyguard for Clyde L Choate. James was a member of the Church of Christ (Iglesia ni Cristo). He was an avid coon hunter and the only 5 time world coon hunting champion.

He is survived by his wife Veronica Merchant of Simpson; grandchildren, Lance Merchant of Vienna, Kelsey Merchant and (fiance) Corey Rood of Marion, Andrea Merchant of Phoenix, Arizona; great grandchildren, Briley Shay and Brynna Jaye; sister, Betty Carlisle of Denver, Colorado; two sister-in-laws, Estrella and Dave Johnson of Vienna and Myrna and Bert Villanueva of Evansville, Indiana.

James was preceded in death by his son, Jay Merchant; parents, Earl and Elva Martin Merchant; brother, Edward Merchant.

Graveside services honoring the life of Mr. James Martin Merchant will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, August 31, 2020 at the Masonic Cemetery in Grand Chain. Rev. Steve Heisner will officiate. There will be a private family viewing Monday morning from 11:30 to 12:30 at Wilson Funeral Home in Karnak. The family has requested that friends gather at the cemetery for the graveside service.

Due to recent health concerns while at the cemetery we ask everyone to practice social distancing and wearing of a face mask or covering is strongly encouraged.

Wilson Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.

a good one gone

may god bless your sole

One of the legends gone right here.