James Niles

James Alton Niles, 75, of Merrifield, passed away Sunday, January 13, 2008 at Innovis Health Care in Fargo, ND, after a long illness. His grandson from Alaska, Aron, was at his side. Visitation will be Thursday, January 17th, from 5 pm to 7 pm at Brenny Funeral Chapel in Baxter. A memorial service will be Friday, January 18th, at 11 am, at Merrifield Community Church of the Nazarene.
Jim grew up in Merrifield. After graduating from Brainerd High School he attended Brainerd Jr. College. Following graduation he joined the United States Air Force. While on R & R with a friend, he met Mary Cumbie, the girl who would become his wife of 54 years. Jim and Mary were married January 2nd, 1954 in Bainbridge, GA. They moved to Minneapolis, where Jim worked for Honeywell for 10 years. While living in Minneapolis he graduated from The Minneapolis Academy of Accounting. He moved to Merrifield, where he and Mary raised their family. James worked for the Brainerd Post Office and was the Merrifield Postmaster for 30 years. He had retired almost 13 years ago. Jim was a loving son, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, step great -grandfather, brother and friend. He was a past-member of the American Legion, the Elks Club, and the Moose Lodge. Jim was a faithful friend to Bill W. He loved spending time with his family, friends, Bible study, hunting, fishing and living on the lake.

Jim is survived by his wife, Mary; a son, Wallace Niles, of Wasilla, Alaska; a daughter, Christie (Alan) Peterson, of West Fargo, ND; seven grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and three step-great-grandchildren; and a sister, Barbara (Rod) Crooks, of Deerwood. Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Alton and Ellen Niles; and a great-grandson.