John "JB" William Merrill, 67 of Traverse City passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, May 26, 2013.

John was born on October 2, 1945 in Toledo, OH to John Arnold and Ruth (Hummon) Merrill. John was a junior, intermediate and high school camper in the National Music Camp at Interlochen where he diligently studied percussion. After graduating in the Traverse City Central High Class of 1963 he went on to honorably serve our country in Alaska during Vietnam in the United States Air Force.

John was the proud and dedicated owner of Merrill's Drywall for over 30 years. His hard work and skilled craftsmanship can be found in hundreds of homes and businesses throughout Northern Michigan.

He loved competition and competed in; football, hockey, snowmobile racing, softball, racquetball, bowling and most recently golf. John was involved with competitive sport hunting and dog trials. He also enjoyed recreational boating, horseback riding and listening to all types of music, in particular jazz and the blues.

His son John will always remember and cherish his father's encouragement, honesty, and deeply instilled work-ethic. He also expected the highest standards for himself and those around him while still being generous of heart and mind. John will be fondly remembered as a wonderful dad, brother and friend and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Surviving John is his mother Ruth Merrill, son John (George Miron) Merrill, former wife Karen Merrill, stepchildren, Sonya Potts, Sherry (Gregg) Adair, Jeff (Jessica) Potts, several special grandchildren and great grandchildren, sisters Liz (Jack) Bert, and Mary (Bruce) Nieuwenhuis, niece, Deanna (Michael) Erwin, and nephew Eric (Bonnie) Chryst and his beloved chessie Katie.

John is preceded in death by his father John Arnold Merrill.

A memorial open house will be held in John's honor on Thursday, May 30, 2013 from 4-7pm at the home of Dee and Michael Erwin, 9962 Karlin, Rd., Buckley MI 49620. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Chesapeake Bay Retriever Relief and Rescue, Munson Hospice or a charity of one's choice. Please sign John's online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .