Mr. Merlin Dean James, 88, of LaHarpe, IL formerly of Blandinsville, IL passed away at 3:15 PM Thursday, June 2, 2016 at the LaHarpe-Davier Health Care Center in LaHarpe.

He was born August 12, 1927 in Blandinsville, the son of Orville V. and Frances Myers James. On August 28, 1949 he married Rosalie Kimler in Blandinsville.

Merlin was a lifelong farmer in the Blandinsville and Sciota areas. He loved spending time with his family and enjoyed teasing his kids, grandkids, nieces and nephews and also enjoyed teaching them how to fish.

He is survived by his wife, 2 sons, Mike (Donna) James of LaHarpe and Greg (Anna) James of Blandinsville, 1 daughter, Charlotte (Mike) Nelson of Colchester, 10 grandchildren, Amy (Lance) Chambers, Derrick James, Nicole (Derek) Allensworth, Todd (Megan) Nelson, Joanna (Cory) Johnson, Craig James, Tim (Sara) Nelson, Grant (Bobi) James, Luke (Jena) James and Brice (Jason) James and 18 great-grandchildren as well as several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a son, Mitchell D. James, grandson, Evan James, sister, Maxine Allaman and his parents.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Monday, June 6, 2016 at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in LaHarpe where the family will meet with friends on Monday from 9:00 AM until time of services. Officiating will be Rev. Gordon Blankenship. Burial will be in the Glade City Cemetery in Blandinsville. Friends may call at the funeral home, Sunday from 3:00 until 7:00PM. A memorial fund has been established for the LaHarpe Ambulance service or the LaHarpe American Legion Post 301.