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James Merriman, 59, of Deckerville died in a hunting accident on April 23. Merriman, a former 73rd District Court probation officer and magistrate for nearly 30 years, had intended to go turkey hunting on family property. He lost his balance while attempting to climb into an elevated hunting blind, and fell in such a manner as to discharge his firearm, according to Michigan State Police from the Sandusky Post.

The death was ruled an accident, according to Dr. William Starbird, county medical examiner, who responded to the scene.

State troopers were also assisted by Deckerville EMS, Port Sanilac Fire and Rescue and Deckerville police.

"I think he was a very caring person," said John Merriman of Deckerville, a Sanilac County Commissioner and James Merriman's cousin. "I found that out when my wife was ill. Jim stopped in many, many times after work to offer a little prayer."

He said, "Jim had a creative mind. He was always thinking of things. I think his work in county government proved that, with Thumb's Up for Kids, the recycling center...(and) along with the judge the opportunity for work release (for prisoners)... I think he served his community well. He genuinely cared about people."

James Merriman retired in 2006, after serving 29 years as a district court employee. Through his suggestions, the county started the jail work crew -- the first of its kind in Lower Michigan -- which was later expanded to an alternative sentencing community service program for non-violent offenders. Both programs provided the manpower for a third program initiated by Merriman, the county recycling center in Sandusky. He was also instrumental in starting an adult education program for inmates at the jail.

Through his leadership, Thumb's Up for Kids, an organization of Sanilac County government employees was founded in the mid-1990s. The group has raised several hundred thousand dollars to fulfill the wishes of chronically and terminally ill children.