James Lee Merritt
1936 - 2025
James Lee Merritt, 88, peacefully passed away at the Hospice House in High Point, NC on Saturday, June 7, 2025. He was born Aug. 3, 1936 in Mt. Airy, NC to Haywood and Minnie Merritt. After High School, he attended UNC Chapel Hill. Upon graduation, he spent three years active duty as an officer in the US Navy. After the Navy, he went to work for the Mortgage Dept. of Jefferson Standard and later at Stockton White & Co. In 1983, he established his own company which handled mortgage brokering, estate appraising, and commercial real estate development. He also served on the Greensboro Board of Realtors and was the president of the Commercial and Industrial division. Further, He was a member of the National Appraisal Institute and a licensed general contractor. Jim also invested his time as a Rotary Club member and served on the Eagle Scout review board.
Jim was a former member of the Presbyterian Church of the Covenant in Greensboro, and Guilford Park Presbyterian Church where he served as a deacon and an elder.
He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Sylvia Merritt; his two children, Mark Merritt and Laura Baars, and their spouses Patricia and Rob; his grandchildren, Michael, Mitchell, Bradley, Grayson, Kristen, and Brian; his great-granddaughter, Penelope “Poppy”; and his sister Anne Snapp.
Jim will be greatly missed. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He was a warm and kind person, someone you desired to spend time with. Even in the final stages of vascular dementia, he could turn on his charm and make you feel special. He would always greet you with a smile and a hug.
He loved the outdoors, golf, fishing, tennis and all things related to UNC-Chapel Hill. “Go Heels!” He was a generous person, and was always willing to help anyone in need.
Jim touched the lives of many, but especially the lives of his family who will hold dear the memories and lessons they received through knowing such a special godly man. Jim’s life mattered, and the way he lived his life has affected his generations to follow. “Well done good and faithful servant.”