James Leon Merkle Obituary
In loving memory of James Leon Merkle of Kalamazoo, Michigan, who departed this world on June 14, 2025 at the age of 84. James leaves behind a legacy remembered by family and friends. Leave a sympathy message to the family on the memorial page of James Leon Merkle to pay them a last tribute.
He was predeceased by: his parents, Carl Merkle and Beulah Merkle; his daughter Angela; and his siblings, Don, Bob and Sharon Reichwald (Bell Merkle).
He is survived by: his wife Janice Merkle (Tiller); his children, Jim (Kim), Bret (Liz), Marria Ouzoonian (Brendon), Robyn Smith (Josh) and Kristyn; and his grandchildren, Nathan Sarles (Tamara), Zach, Andrew (Maddy), Matt Ouzoonian, Trevor, Cody Smith (Paige), Zoey Rosato and Zander VanderZouwen.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, June 22nd 2025 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and on Monday, June 23rd 2025 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. A funeral service will be held on Monday, June 23rd 2025 at 1:00 PM at the Haven Church (5350 N Sprinkle Rd, Kalamazoo, MI 49004).
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Kairos Dwelling, (https://www.kairosdwelling.com) a non-profit home for the terminally ill that took exceptional care of Jim in his last week of life.
