James Lowell Merritt

It is with great sadness that the family of James "Red" Merritt announces his passing on April 24, 2025, at his home. Red was a cherished husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend to many.

Born on November 19, 1948, to Marvin and Earlene Merritt in El Dorado, Arkansas, Red moved with his family to Riceville, Iowa, to farm. He graduated from Riceville High School in 1967 and attended Henderson State College in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, for two years before transferring to Iowa State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Political Science.

After college, Red began his career at White Farm in Charles City, Iowa. There, he met the love of his life, Cherie, and her two children, Christy (Newhouse) Willis and Shawn Newhouse. Red and Cherie married in 1991 in Osage, Iowa, where he later worked at Tops Business Forms until his retirement in 2015.

Red’s greatest joy was spending time with family and friends, tending to his yard, cheering at his grandchildren’s activities, fishing on his boat, and hand-feeding squirrels. His warm and generous spirit touched everyone he met.

Red is survived by his devoted wife, Cherie; children, Christy (Josh) Willis of Johnston, Iowa, Shawn (Alison) Newhouse of Johnston, Iowa, and Faisal (Mary) Fathi of Hayward, California; grandchildren, Brooke Willis, Brady Willis, Payton Newhouse, Cole Newhouse, Noah Newhouse, Raheem Fathi, Rasool Fathi, and Rashad Fathi; sister, Cathy Simon of Osage, Iowa; sisters-in-law, Julie Ackley of Osage, Iowa, and Rita Jo Merritt of Sierra Vista, Arizona; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Earlene Merritt; brother, William Merritt; parents-in-law, Dean and Dorothy Heffron; and sisters-in-law, Kathy McCready and Deb Jacobs.

Per Red’s wishes, no service will be held. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers. He loved deeply and will be remembered fondly by all who knew him.

Hoff Celebrations - Champion Chapel of Osage is assisting the family with arrangements.