James Harold Merriam, 84 of Hamden, beloved and devoted husband of Betty Merriam for 61 years, passed away on June 27, 2010 at Yale New Haven Hospital.
He was born on September 17, 1925 and was raised in NY, NY. Jim enlisted in the United States Marine Corps shortly after his 18th birthday and served heroically in the Asiatic Pacific from 1944 to 1946. After marrying, Jim and Betty relocated to the New Haven area. Jim began a 30-year career with the CT Savings Bank, retiring as Asst VP. During retirement, he volunteered at Yale New Haven Hospital for many years. Jim loved scoring baseball games, watching events at Yale and playing tennis. He was also an avid reader, loved photography and enjoyed making note cards for people. Everyone who knew Jim appreciated his patience and sense of humor. Most of all, Jim loved his family. Besides his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Nancy Merriam Berney and husband Steve, his son George Merriam and wife Patty, grandchildren Scott Berney (Amy), Gregory Berney (Laura), Rebecca Merriam, and great-grandchildren Avery, Clara, Shane and Samuel Berney. He was predeceased by his grandson, Drew Merriam.

A funeral service will be held at the Weller Funeral Home, 493 Whitney Ave.,  New Haven Wednesday morning at ll. Interment at the State Veteran's Cemetery will be private. Friends may visit the Merriam residence at 18 Shepard Hill Rd, Hamden Wednesday after 5pm and Thursday after 1pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Jim's memory to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 306 Industrial Park Road, Suite 107, Middletown, CT 06457.