Mr. Merica was a self-employed painting contractor for 60 plus years and a member of the Elks Lodge in Riverdale, MD. He liked bowling, gardening, and was a very giving person.

Son of the late William A. Merica and the late Mamie Edna Price Merica. He is also predeceased his late wife, Judy Ruth Cramer Merica; one late son, James R. Merica Jr.; four late brothers, William H. Merica, Roy Merica, Floyd Merica, and Charles Merica; and four late sisters, Myrtle Pilkerton, Mary Rucker, Marie Jones, and Mildred "Nobby" Murphy.

He is survived by three sons, Steven M. (Linda) Merica of Huntingtown, MD, David B. Merica of Columbia, MD, and Ronald F. (Linda) Mountain of Columbia, MD; and five daughters, Sharon K. Bradley of AZ, Diane G. (James) Jewell of PA, Becky (Rodger) Osment of SC, Ronda Stachura of Indian Head, MD, and Susan Salman of Bryans Road, MD. Also survived by 18 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, December 1, 2012 beginning at 2PM at the New Life Wesleyan Church Chapel, 9690 Shepherd's Creek Place, La Plata, Maryland 20646.

Arrangements by Raymond Funeral Service, P.A.