WILMINGTON — James Mahlon “Merk” Merkerson Jr., 72, passed on from his earthly life Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2002. Merk was born Dec. 7, 1947, in Atlantic City, New Jersey, to James Mahlon Merkerson Sr. and Mavis Annette Pennington.
Being born in a U.S. Naval family, he lived everywhere from Hawaii; Corpus Christi, Texas; Key West, Florida; Jacksonville, Florida; and Rocky Mount after his daddy passed away when he was a teenager.
He was very active in track and field and football (his true love) as a Blackbird at Rocky Mount Senior High. He thought an accounting job was what he wanted, and after half of a semester, it was clear that was just not it. After a variety of jobs at Hudson Belk Camera Dept., Raleigh Tool and Supply, Famous Brands and Aero Services at RDU. He found his niche as a refueler.
Merk and his wife moved to Wilmington in 1989, where he was immediately hired with Air Wilmington as an airline refueler. This was his happy place. You could ask him any question about any aircraft, fueling methods, and even what their comtrails looked like; he always had a lesson about it. When he said, “to make a long story short,” it never was. He finally retired after 30 years of service there, but dreamt every night of refueling planes.
He made many close friends who were like brothers to him. Too many to mention, but we would like to pay accolades to Charlie Caldwell, Jiles Hinson, Brian Lee and Jack Clos. You guys are the best.
Merk and Carole were married April 20, 1985, in Raleigh after playing house for over seven years. Although there were no children, there were many, many four-legged kids over the time.
He is survived by his wife, Carole; sisters, Vicki Mccormick (Danny) and Debbie Merkerson; along with many aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, grand-nieces and cousins.
He was happiest fishing off Topsail Pier, watching football, scuba diving, jumping out of perfectly good airplanes and cooking.
A memorial will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., Monday, Sept. 28, at Coble Funeral and Cremation Service at Greenlawn Memorial Park. All are welcome to share their Merk stories. There have been many bent ears over the years.
Share online condolences with the family at Coble Funeral and Cremation Service at Greenlawn Memorial Park.
