James "Jimmy" Merry, Jr, KC9RPX, was devoted ham whose voice could be heard frequently as NCO and participant on South Central Indiana radio nets. Jimmy served in many roles for the Indiana and Central Division: Former ARRL Indiana Section Manager for four years, also in roles as Assistant Central Division Director, Indiana Section Club Coordinator, and as Monroe County Indiana Emergency Coordinator and Official Emergency Station. He was President of the Bloomington (IN) Amateur Radio Club 2014-2018, and presided over many Skywarn Nets. Jim was a leader of Helping Hams, a coordinated group that helped especially physically challenged hams get gear, raise antennas, and get on the air. His late father James Merry Sr, KC9CFW (SK) was also a ham. His voice and fervor will be missed.
James L Merry, Jr, KC9RPX SK James Lee “Jimmy” Merry, Jr., 56, of Ellettsville, IN, passed away Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at his residence. Born July 3, 1970, he was the son of James and Harriet (Crouch) Merry, Sr. “Jimmy” as he was called, (amateur radio callsign, KC9RPX), was strongly involved in amateur radio, holding positions of ARRL Indiana Section Manager, Club Coordinator, and Monroe County Emergency Communications Coordinator. He was past president of the Bloomington Amateur Radio Club. He was the voice of net control for hundreds of South-Central Indiana amateur radio nets over the years. He was involved with the Bedford-North Lawrence Memorial website that lists the passing of past BNL graduates by their graduating class. He took pride in having this information for families and friends. Jimmy was an IHSSA baseball and football official for many years. He officiated games at Bedford-North Lawrence High School, North Lawrence Junior High Schools, Bloomington North and South High Schools and Middle Schools, and Eastern Greene High School and Middle School as well as other schools in Indiana. Jimmy was a baseball enthusiast and participated in the local group known as the Limestone League. He was the proud Manager of the Merry Marlins from 1993 to the present, and he is greatly missed by all his Limestone League family. Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents, James and Harriet Merry, Sr.; sister, Susan Merry; and grandparents, Sherman Lee and Anah Crouch. A graveside committal service for Jimmy will be at 11:00am on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at Spice Valley Cemetery, Spice Valley Rd., Mitchell, IN. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to offset funeral expenses, either in person at Ferguson-Lee Chapel, 818 Eighteenth Street, Bedford, or online at https://www.thornefunerals.life/2fm5d6xx. Ferguson-Lee Chapel of Thorne Family Funeral Homes of Bedford is honored to have been entrusted with Jimmy’s care and services. Condolences may be shared at www.ThorneFunerals.com. https://www.fergusonlee.com/obituaries/James-Lee-Jimmy-Merry?obId=49314510
