James N Merriam, 62, of Hillsborough, passed away Monday, May 22, 2017 at Spring Hills of Somerset. Born in New Haven, Connecticut, he was raised in Bridgewater and lived in the area before moving to Hillsborough. James graduated Bridgewater-Raritan East, while a senior he swam in the states and placed second in the 50 meters freestyle. He got his undergraduate degree at Lafayette College and his Masters at Rutgers University. He was very athletic, he supplemented his income through college by being a lifeguard. He loved to play tennis and was a member of the USTA. He ran 5K's at many events and was an Eagle Scout. He was an avid Giants and Met Fan. James was a member of Theta Chi Fraternity, the Hillsborough Environmental Commission and the Head of Pastor Parish and a member of East Millstone United Methodist Church. James was an Environmental Scientist, his last employer was Praxair. James was predeceased by his father Charles N Merriam. Surviving are his daughter Katherine Daly of Flemington; his son Steven Merriam of CA ; his mother Dorothy Merriam of Waretown; his 3 sisters Linda Merriam-Kuc of Hillsborough, Susan Merriam-Grubb of Camp Hill, PA, and Donna Merriam-Prostak of Asbury, NJ. Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 26 at 4:00 pm immediately following the viewing which is from 2-4 pm. at The East Millstone United Methodist Church 6 Elm St. East Millstone, NJ 08873. Cremation will be private. Arrangements are under the direction of the Boylan Funeral Home in New Brunswick. In lieu of flowers, send donations to Boy Scouts of America or East Millstone United Methodist Church P.O. Box 2025 East Millstone, NJ 08875.