James Earle Merck

After a long life full of God’s blessings, James Earle Merck (Jim) went home to be with his Lord on May 30, 2026, at the age of 90. He was born into a loving family in Pickens, South Carolina on April 14, 1936. He had a happy childhood, and growing up in the small community of Liberty, South Carolina shaped him into a strong and caring individual.

At Liberty High School, Jim was well liked by his classmates and was an All-State and All-American football player. Upon graduation, he accepted a scholarship to play for the University of South Carolina, and declared Political Science as his major. While attending USC, Jim married his high school sweetheart, Gerri, and two years later they welcomed their first child.

Following his time at USC, Jim secured a job with Roadway Express, which eventually took his young family to New Jersey. Through hard work and determination, he advanced to the position of Northeastern Division Manager. After nine years and the addition of two more children, the Palmetto State was calling him home. Jim moved his family back to Columbia, SC, where he began a new career as a commercial real estate broker.

A devoted husband and father, Jim’s family was his heartbeat. Best known as “Grandpa,” his grandchildren were the joys of his life, and he made sure they knew it. Jim was outgoing and fun natured. He never met a stranger and spread love and kindness wherever he found himself. In his spare time, he developed a life long passion for golf, enjoyed landscaping, and loved cheering on the Carolina Gamecocks.

The most central thing in Jim’s life was his relationship with Jesus Christ. In 1977, he recommitted to his faith, and began an avid pursuit of bible study and theology. He felt led to share the knowledge he gained in several different Sunday school classes through the years. He was a member of Chapin Christian Community Church and looked forward to worshipping there each Sunday. He eagerly shared the hope he had in Christ and wanted everyone to know, “how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,” Ephesians 3:18.

He is predeceased by his parents, Lawrence Eugene and Inez Porter Merck, sister Margaret Owen (Bryson), brother Lawrence Hugh Merck (Doris), sister Emma Marlene Rodgers (Bob), and his son James Jeffrey Merck.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Geraldine Taylor Merck, son Christopher Alan Merck (Angela), daughter Candace Merck Sanders (Ron), daughter-in-law Rhea Ann Merck, his grandchildren Caitlin Merck Bockman (Rob), Rebekah Ann Merck (A), Aaron Davis Sanders, Sr. (Meg), Dakotah Easton Merck (Nicole), Lydia Taylor Sanders, Harrison Ray Merck, and his great grandchildren Aaron Davis Sanders, Jr., Brigid Rhea Bockman, and James Marion Sanders.

Though we mourn Jim’s passing, we find comfort in the hope of Christ’s resurrection and the assurance that we will one day be reunited in God’s eternal kingdom. Jim is now at peace in the arms of his precious Savior, and he can finally say, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." 2 Timothy 4:7 

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 12:00 pm at Chapin Christian Community Church, 415 Lexington Avenue, Chapin, SC 29036. The visitation will be held prior to the service at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to Chapin Christian Community Church or a charity of your choice in memory of Jim Merck.