Rev. James Merrick, 84, of Grand Rapids, MN, transitioned peacefully to his heavenly home on January 16 at Grand Itasca Hospital.

James was born on November 19, 1940, to Frank and Ruie Merrick in Jackson, Ohio.  Coming from humble beginnings in a single-parent home in the hills of southern Ohio, at a young age God got ahold of him. Paul Leaman, who later became his brother-in-law, was his first pastor and highly influential in his life.  He married his teenage sweetheart, Donna Leaman, on November 29, 1958, when they were both 18 years old and they had four daughters.  After he graduated high school, he attended Apostolic Bible Institute for 3 years.  Following graduation, he pastored for 3 years in Green Bay, Wisconsin.  In 1969 he followed the call of God to Duluth MN to pastor the Apostolic Gospel Church.  He was elected the United Pentecostal Church Minnesota District Superintendent at the age of 30 and served in that capacity for 30 years.  He also served as the Vice President of Apostolic Bible Institute for many years.  He was married for almost 35 years to Donna until her passing. He married his second love, Carrie Vasquez on October 16, 1993.  She, and her three girls, became a welcome addition to the family. He served as pastor in Duluth for 38 years where the church saw seasons of wonderful growth and revival.

In 2021 they moved to Grand Rapids, MN, where he lived until his passing.  He was a faithful and treasured member of River of Life Church where he seldom missed a service or event and could often be seen with children gathered around praying for him and was deeply loved.

His greatest passion was the Bible.  He could be found in any setting engaged in scriptural conversation, questions and debate and was a bible teacher extraordinaire. He greatly enjoyed hospitality and fellowship.  People could be found coming and going at their home and many even lived with them for seasons.  He became a skilled carpenter and worked on many projects including the tabernacle at Camp Galilee, building a new church building, helping others with projects, and even building his own house.  He was a leader of men and challenged others to be better.  He could be firm and stern as a rock but was tender at the same time.  He had a knack for writing and wrote several dramas, songs and many creative messages.

He had a penetrating wit and unique sense of humor.  He loved to fish and enjoyed hunting and made many memories taking people fishing on the St. Louis River. He was a meat cutter and could often be found in the kitchen with his apron and knife sets.

James is survived by his wife, Carrie Ann Merrick; two sisters, Jane Argabright and Doris Simpson; 3 daughters – Rhonda (Richard) Flemming, Angie (Terrence) Weinkauf, Carma (Ron) Lichtle; 2 second family daughters – Lacey Vasquez and Lindsey (Trevor) Lund; 17 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and many people who deeply loved him. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and two sisters, his first wife Donna, oldest daughter Crystal and stepdaughter Celina.

Visitation will be Friday, January 24, 2025, from 5-8:00 p.m. at River of Life Church, Grand Rapids, MN and will continue at 12:00 – 2:00pm on Saturday, January 25, 2025, with a service following at 2:00pm. Ron Lichtle officiating.

Arrangements are with the Rowe Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Grand Rapids, MN. To sign the online guestbook or send condolences visit www.rowefuneralhomeandcrematory.com.