Obituary of James Paul Merrill

West Columbia - James "Jim" Paul Merrill, 61, passed away peacefully on October 13, 2014 in West Columbia, South Carolina. He was born April 13, 1953, to Herbert and Lillian Merrill in Aurora, Colorado. On September 23, 1978 he married Susan Deketeleare in Taylors, South Carolina. A 1975 graduate of Clemson University, Jim's passions were his family, photography, and Clemson football. A computer engineer all his life, he was an intelligent, analytical man who showed his creative side from behind the lens of his Canon camera. He loved taking pictures of his children and grandchildren, thoroughly documenting their entire lives, special moments, and precious faces. His granddaughters adored their "Papi" as he taught them to have such warm, caring hearts, and he was never too busy to read a book, give a piggy-back ride, or take them to the zoo. Jim was always thoughtful; even in the moments where he struggled; he was more concerned with everyone else around him. He worked the last 14 years for Intel Corporation of Columbia, and the 25 years prior at NCR West Columbia. Jim was a member of the Cayce United Methodist Church. Jim is survived by his wife of 36 years, Susan; daughter, Lori and son-in-law, Charlie Tisdale of Ladson; son James, and daughter-in-law, Julia Merrill of Abilene, TX; granddaughters Isabella Tisdale of Ladson and Emma Merrill of Abilene, TX; father, Herb Merrill of Taylors; sister, Kathy and brother-in-law, Tim Saunders of Greer; as well as other extended relatives and numerous friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, Lillian Merrill and granddaughter, Rachael Tisdale. A time of gathering will be held 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Thursday, October 16, 2014 at Thompson Funeral Home of Lexington. Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Friday, October 17, 2014 at The Chapel at Thompson Funeral Home of Lexington. Graveside service will follow in Woodridge Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Cure Spinal Muscular Atrophy, 925 Busse Road, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007 or online at www.curesma.org.