Jimmie Lee Merritt, Sr. was born in Bridgeboro, Georgia on July 19, 1946. He was the son of the late Willie Merritt and Ruby Jenkins Merritt. After his parent's demise, he was nurtured and cared for by his aunt, the late Curlie Johnson.

During the early years of his life, he attended the public schools of Worth County, including J. W. Holly High School.

After moving to Detroit, MI in the late 1960s, Jimmie met and married Sylvia Vogl whom he often referred to as "the best woman in the world." Their union was blessed with loving children and they enjoyed many happy years together.

Jimmie was an extremely conscientious individual who was deeply rooted in the soil. Over the years, he developed an unquenchable passion for farming that endured throughout his lifetime. Whether picking cotton, cultivating crops, or simply driving a tractor, he looked upon each task with equal importance and gave each of them his ALL.

Often described as a devoted husband, a supportive father and grandfather, a caring brother, a cool uncle, and loyal and committed friend, Jimmie was a kind and generous man who gave of himself freely—never expecting anything in return. He was a friend you could depend on and was always ready to help in any way that he could. He had an adventurous heart, a contagious laugh, and a great smile. Jimmie was exceptionally talented and his artistic ingenuity and exquisite penmanship lead him to create many beautiful works of art.

One of Jimmie's finest qualities was gratitude. Even after being diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma in 2005 and stage four liver cancer in 2018, he continued to persevere and was always grateful for every good thing that came his way. His stamina, strength, and determination helped us to realize that every day is a blessing and an opportunity to create lasting memories. On September 13, 2018, Jimmie's body grew weary and his earthly journey ended as he transitioned to his eternal home. In addition to his parents and his aunt, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sylvia Vogl; his son, Jimmie Lee Merritt II; and five siblings, Willie Merritt, Randolph Merritt, Lenard Merritt, Dorris Merritt, and Emma Merritt-Roberts.

Precious memories will be forever cherished by his children, Sunnya Merritt and Kasey Merritt; stepchildren, Karl (Tanisha Vogl, Michaele Jenkins, and Steven Jenkins; siblings, Melvin Merritt and Ruby Merritt; brother-in-law, Bobby Roberts; grandchildren, Melvin II, Dejenae, Anthony II, Kasey Jr., Deonte, Jordan, Davonn, Jimmie III, Jaiden, Shanna, Ariel, Stephanie, Samantha, Steven Jr., and Sophia; great grandchildren, ZaNiya, Melvin III, Kaidyn, Gabrielle, and Italiee; nieces and nephews, Elizabeth, Franchesca, Trina, Sophia, Shaun, Carolyn, Ranette, Tommy, Terrance, Ernest, Cero, and Willie James; and a host of special cousins, and great- nieces and nephews.