James "Jim" Merkel

James “Jim” Merkel, of Scranton, died Thursday November 7 at Geisinger-CMC after an illness, a day after celebrating his 85th birthday.  His wife, Carol (Shiner) Merkel preceded him in death on October 22, 2017. The couple married on September 6, 1972.

Born in Scranton, son of the late Jeanette Merkel, he was a 1957 graduate of West Scranton High School.  Jim enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps immediately after graduation and honorably served from 1957 to 1963.  After he returned home, he took a job building mobile homes and later went to work at Insalaco’s as a baker.  He was actually the first in the area to bake artesian bread.    He then worked at Price Chopper until his retirement in 2004.  

Jim was a very active man who was totally independent.  He loved bowling--especially hitting 300—walking, golfing with his cousin Paul where he got a hole in one, going to the casino, and the Pittsburgh Steelers.  He was also an avid Penn State fan.

Jim loved going for breakfast at Denny’s on Saturday mornings and went to McDonald’s every morning.  He was a member of St. Stanislaus Polish National Catholic Church in Scranton.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff in the ICU and PACU at Geisinger CMC for their kindness and compassion towards Jim. 

He is survived by his only daughter, and caretaker, Wendy Hendricks and husband Paul of Scranton; grandsons Paul Hendricks, Charles Hendricks and wife Carla, all of Scranton; and his granddog Rex who he loved to spend time with, as well as several nieces, nephews, and a great-niece and great-nephew.

He was also preceded in death by a sister, Lois Walsh. 

The funeral will be Thursday Nov. 14th at 10 a.m. with mass to be celebrated at St. Stanislaus Polish National Catholic Church, 529 E Locust St, Scranton. Interment will be privately held. Those attending the mass are asked to go directly to the church.

Visitation will be Wednesday, Nov, 13th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Carlucci-Golden-DeSantis Funeral Home, Inc., 318 E. Drinker St., Dunmore.

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