Galen ‘Jim’ J. Merriam, 64, of Ringle, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, in Ohio.

Jim was born on January 9, 1960, in Wausau, to Daniel and Grace (Vlietstra) Merriam.

Jim married the love of his life, Linda Marie Bohn, on July 14, 1982, at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Weston.

Jim started out farming on the farm he grew up on, which is where he started his family. He took an interest in the volunteer fire department, where he served his township from 1989 until 2001. In 2000, he started driving truck at WH Transportation to support his growing and ongoing family. Jim was currently employed at Elite Carriers.

Jim enjoyed cooking, being on the farm around his beef cows and doing anything his wife’s’ heart desired. Jim loved taking his grandkids on Kubota rides through the neighborhood and showing them all things farming. He enjoyed going to church whenever he was home from work. Jim took part in helping with Sunday School, where he got to watch his grandkids and congregational children grow in faith.

Jim was a loving dad with a heart of gold. He could be a stubborn man, but was always forgiving. Everything he did was for God and his family.

Jim is survived by his wife, Linda; children, Phillip Merriam, Dustin (Erin) Merriam, Adam Merriam, James Merriam, Amanda (Fidel) Rubio, SarahLee Vue, Krystle (Pablo) Merriam, Katie (Nado) Merriam, Dakota Merriam, Treveon Williams, Tynashia Williams, Ty Merriam, Terrance Banks, RJ Merriam and many foster kids over the years; grandchildren, Ayeisha, Zion, Abbigail, Nevaeh, Avantae, Gavin, Scarlet, Kiarah, Ian, Elinor, Kianna, Liam, Lilly, Elias, Isaiah, Nehemiah, Jhonny, Skylar Lee, Cassius, Lanne, Elijah, Daniel, Amelia, Jasper ‘Clyde’ and Elijah; sister, Nancy Van Vleet; brothers, Leslie Merriam, Gary (Dawn) Merriam and Bryce Merriam.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Daniel and Grace Merriam; sister, Linda K. Merriam; mother and father-in-law, William and Christine Bohn; brothers and sisters-in-law, Donny Van Vleet, James Bohn, Cindy Bohn and Arlene Merriam; niece, Cindy Merriam and great-nephew, Zachary Merriam.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11 AM on Friday, June 28, 2024, at New Hope Community Church, 229375 County Road J, Wausau, WI 54403. Kelvin Fraaza and Ron TenHaken will preside. Visitation will be on Friday, from 9 AM until the time of service at the church.

Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Birnamwood is assisting the family with arrangements. Memories and messages of support may be shared at schmidtschulta.com.