James Edward Merrick

James Edward Merrick, born on May 12th 1949 in Breckenridge, Minnesota, was a man of honor who had a passion for life, unwavering love for his family and Jesus Christ, and was a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The eldest son of Paul and Agnes Merrick and brother to Judy (Ted) Lockett, Mary Jo (Tom) Merrick-Lockett and Tom (Joe Pineda) Merrick. He grew up taking care of the family farm which helped him develop a strong work ethic and love for his family. After College in North Dakota, he traveled to the Pacific Islands with the Peace Corps and was able to work there and learn the ways of the Islands. As his love for the Polynesian culture flourished, he decided to accept a position to work for the American Samoa Agriculture Department and create a new life. While working there, he developed many strong relationships with people in Samoa who sparked his interest in the LDS Church. Through church activities and mutual friends, he was led to the woman who would soon become his lovely sweetheart, Fiesta Fitisemanu. He and Fiesta created a home that was open to all who needed a place to feel love and belonging. That love led them to serve two full-time missions for the Church in Apia Samoa as well as the Oakland/San Francisco California Mission. They recently celebrated their 41st wedding anniversary last month and have 9 children. He is preceded by his parents, Paul & Agnes and his son, James, who passed away at birth. He is survived by his loving wife, Fiesta, and eight children, Joseph (Alisha) Merrick , Jaison (Katie) Merrick, Joshua (Ashley Ness) Merrick, John (Kylee) Merrick, Faylynn (Kolo) Funaki, Fayrina (Irwin) Ah Hoy, Andrew (Kindra Fuentes) Ulberg, Tasi (Tony) Masoe and 28 grandchildren. Jims sense of humor, love and loyalty will be deeply missed by all that have entered into his life.
There will be a visitation Saturday, December 10, 2016 from 11:00 - 12:30, and a funeral service to begin at 1:00 pm at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 400 Sanden Blvd. Wylie, Texas 75098. Burial will follow at Lakeview Cemetery, Lavon, Texas