MERRILL, James E. of Saugus, entered into eternal rest on Sunday, January 19, 2025, in the Brigham & Women's Hospital in Boston after a very brief illness.  He was 72 years old.  Born in Malden, Jim was raised in Everett and attended the Everett public school system. He continued his education at North Shore Community College, where he received an associate's degree in management. He worked for over 40 years at Mass Bay Commuter Rail system retiring as a project manager.  Jim was a member of the Saugus-Everett Lodge of Elks, #642. He was a former coach in the Saugus Girls Softball and Saugus Girls Basketball youth leagues for many years. In his retirement years, he loved spending time with his grandsons in all of their youth activities. He also loved being out on the ocean and taking his family and friends boating.
Jim was the dear son of the late Leslie E. and Dorothy (Ivaney) Merrill: the beloved husband of Mary E. (Conti) for over 49 years: dear and devoted father of Andrea Bell and her husband, Mark of Saugus; dear brother of the late Leslie E. Merrill; proud and cherished Papa of Matthew and Jonathan Bell.  Jim is also survived by his sister-in-law Joanne Panzini, his brother-in-law Joseph Conti and their families, and many nieces, nephews, family and friends. He will be truly missed by all.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Jim's visiting hours in the Cafasso & Sons Funeral Home, 65 Clark St. (Corner of Main St.) EVERETT, Sunday, January 26, from 2 p.m-5 p.m. and on Monday, at 10 a.m. with a funeral home service to follow at 11 a.m.  Burial will be at the Holy Cross Cemetery, Malden.  Contributions in Jim's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 would be sincerely appreciated.  Parking with attendants on duty.