James "Jimmy" Adrian Merkel, 60, of West Chazy, NY, left us all too soon on December 20, 2019.

Jimmy was born in Plattsburgh on September 17, 1959, the son of David and Elizabeth "Betty" (LaFontaine) Merkel, Jr. who predeceased him.

The light of Jimmy's life was his daughter, Sarah Merkel-Goupil (Nickolas). Celebrating her milestones were his milestones – from elementary school to graduations to her marriage two years ago. Jimmy recently celebrated his 60 ^th birthday at a special surprise party thrown by family and friends – the photos and videos captured reveal a very happy man, dancing up a storm.

Jimmy's childhood was spent in Plattsburgh, with summers at Camp Jemada on Chazy Landing and Brant Lake Camp in the Adirondacks. He played Babe Ruth baseball and worked at the family-run department store – Merkel's…the store of cheerful service since 1910 . Jimmy eventually managed the Men's Department of Merkel's Department Store. When the store closed and at the time of his death, Jimmy worked for UPS in importing and trade at the U.S.-Canada border, and was a real estate salesperson with Duley & Associates. Jimmy also co-owned and operated a restaurant on Chateauguay Lake, The Lakesider, in the 1990s.

He graduated from Plattsburgh High School – Class of 1978. Quick to make and keep friends, Jimmy was loved by many in every corner of the world. Kind, generous, tender, loyal, thoughtful, gentle, calm, down-to-earth – these are just a few of the words family and friends have used to describe Jimmy. He was proud of his family and friends' accomplishments, and was so happy for other's happiness and success – a rare thing, indeed.

Jimmy was never one to stand still. He loved to keep active with his hobbies, which included hunting, fishing and watching deer from his backyard. Jimmy would escape on long walks and cross-country ski in the woods that surrounded his home. When summer approached, he wanted nothing more than to be with his closest friends on his beloved boat, go for long rides on his motorcycle along the shores of Lake Champlain and the Highlands Road, have a glass of wine by the pool, or walk the Plattsburgh City Beach.

Jimmy always sought to have a good time. He looked forward to concerts at the Strand, dining in downtown Plattsburgh with friends, and occasionally going to Montreal. He never failed to make people laugh and would never pass up an opportunity to help a friend or family member out – even at a moment's notice.

Apart from Jimmy's parents, his brother-in-law, Kenneth McNamee, predeceases him. Jimmy lives on in the memories and stories to be shared by family and friends for decades to come – he is survived by his daughter Sarah (Nick Goupil) Merkel-Goupil, sisters Deborah "Debbie" McNamee and Jill (Chris) Riley, and brother David (Diane) Merkel III; nephew and grand-nephew Bryce McNamee and Cole McNamee, nephew Ryan (Molly) McMartin, nephew Tyler McMartin, nephew David Merkel IV, and niece Lauren Anne Merkel. His former wife, Darleen Earle Merkel, also survives him.

We will think of Jimmy daily when we see the beautiful sunrises and sunsets in the North Country that he photographed often, and many moments in between.

Calling hours will be held Thursday, December 26 from 1:00-4:00 p.m. at R.W. Walker Funeral Home Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital for Diabetes Education , or the Merkel-London Library Fund at Temple Beth Israel in Plattsburgh.

To share a photo, story, or condolence with Jimmy's family, please visit www.rwwalkerfh.com .

Arrangements have been entrusted into the care of the R.W. Walker Funeral Home, 69 Court Street, Plattsburgh, NY 12901.