James "Jim" William Merrill

James William Merrill (Jim), age 77, from Des Moines, passed away on Saturday, August 24, 2024 due to complications from diabetes and kidney failure. Jim was born in Ames, Iowa on September 8, 1946. After a brief time in Oklahoma, Jim’s family moved to the Beaverdale neighborhood in Des Moines when he was 5. He lived in the Beaverdale neighborhood for the rest of his life, including his last six years at Calvin Community.

Jim was preceded in death by parents, William M Merrill and Dorothy Glasener Merrill.

He is survived by his brother, Tom (Kim) Merrill from New York City and sister, Barbara Merrill (Patti Hague) from Minneapolis; five nieces and eight grand-nieces and nephews.

Jim was autistic and lived at a time when support for autistic children in the schools was nonexistent. He endured misunderstanding and taunts about his lack of social awareness. With perseverance and patience from his parents, he was able to graduate from North High School in 1966. He worked in the kitchen/dish room at Iowa Methodist Hospital for 40 plus years, hardly missing a day of work.

Jim’s passions included classic cars, early rock and roll, driving around the streets of Des Moines and central Iowa, national and state politics and reading the daily newspaper. He had an amazing memory, especially for dates, maps, car models, and what happened when. He was the family historian.

Jim was a member of Immanuel Methodist Church for over 60 years and the family appreciates the fellowship and support Jim received from the church. We also want to thank the many caregivers Jim has had over the years that helped and supported him.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 2 at Immanuel Methodist Church, 2900 49th Street, Des Moines, Iowa at 2:30 p.m. Family will greet guests one hour prior to services at the church.

Memorials to Immanuel Methodist Church or to a non-profit that specializes in children and youth in Jim’s honor would be appreciated.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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