James "Wilder" Merriam, 92 of 5499 Spring Brook Rd., passed away Thursday, December 19, 2013 following a lengthy illness. Born August 1, 1921 in Town of Ward in Scio, he was the son of Thomas and Helen Collins Merriam. On July 26, 1946 in the Friendship United Methodist Church parsonage, he married the former Martha Alice Graham who predeceased him October 16, 1977.
Wilder, had grown up in the Town of Ward, where he attended a country school, graduating from the eighth grade. He then moved to the Town of Friendship in 1935 where he was a graduate of Friendship Central School, class of 1939.
After graduation, Wilder helped work the family farm located on the North Branch Rd., then in 1942 he became owner-operator of the business which was later moved to Springbrook Rd. in Friendship. He continued to operate the dairy farm until 2000 at which time, he retired.
He loved farming and the animals, the growing of crops, but most of all loved being with his family.
He was a member of the Friendship United Methodist Church, a past member of the Scio Grange and the Friendship Grange.
Surviving are a son, James W. "Jim" (Barb) Merriam Jr.; four grandchildren and six great grandchildren; two brothers,
Eugene (Mary Jane) Merriam of Wellsville, and Floyd (Betty) Merriam of Houghton; and several nieces and nephews.
Wilder as predeceased by two brothers, Henry Merriam and Wesley Merriam.
Friends may call at the Treusdell Funeral Home, Friendship Saturday 3-5 and 7-9 pm where funeral and committal services will be held Sunday December 22, 2013 at 2:00 pm. In Lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Red Cross 452 N. Barry St. Olean, NY 14760 or the Family Life Network PO Box 506 bath, NY 14810.
Condolences to the family may be expressed by clicking on the button below.
