James Merhout

James Michael (Jim) Merhout, 87, recently of West Chester, OH, went to be with the Lord on November 19, 2022.  Jim was born and raised on his family farms in Chesterfield and Prince George counties in Virginia. He spent three years in the US Army, including two years in England. A pipefitter by trade, he retired from Hercules Chemical Company after 37 years working in several different roles.  Jim lived in Colonial Heights, Virginia for nearly fifty years. He moved to Ohio in 2012 to be near his son’s family. Jim believed strongly in the American Dream and worked hard to be able to enjoy his retirement years at Chesterwood Retirement Community.  He made an impact during his decade in that community, enjoying companionship with his fellow seniors and sharing his gratitude to the employees at Chesterwood. He had a heart for hard workers in every capacity, but especially those on the front line. He enjoyed attending church services in Chesterwood’s Bell Chapel and was ready to meet his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Jim was predeceased by his brothers Aloisius and George Merhout, and his wife of 35 years, Hazel (nee Elder). He is survived by his brother, Joseph; his son, Jeffrey (Michaux), and his grandchildren, Heather, Carrie and Preston; and Andrew Merhout and his sons. Other surviving family include his stepchildren, David (Sherry) Johnson, Terry (Jenny) Johnson, and Gwen (Mike) Rush, and their many children and grandchildren.  A funeral service will be held at 12 Noon on December 10, 2022, in the Colonial Heights Chapel of E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes and Crematory 2033 Boulevard Colonial Heights, Virginia 23834 with the Reverend Robert Breckenridge officiating. Interment with military honors will follow in Southlawn Memorial Park S. Prince George, Virginia.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 11:00 a.m. to 12 Noon Saturday at the funeral home. A memorial service will be held at Chesterwood Retirement Community at a date to be determined. Online Condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com.