James W. Merlin, of Duxbury, passed away on July 5, 2026, at the age of 66. He leaves his wife Patricia Ann Reader-Merlin, his daughter Emily Kadykowski and her husband Ronald, his son, Sean Merlin, a granddaughter, Rose Kadykowski, siblings Donnie Merlin, Ann Merlin, Nancy Larocque and her husband Richard, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Vernon and Patricia (O’Connell) Merlin.

Jim grew up in Weymouth, Massachusetts, where he attended Weymouth Public Schools. He graduated from Babson College in 1982 with a Bachelor of Science degree and proudly served as captain of the men's hockey team.

For 39 years, Jim built an expansive career at MEDITECH, most recently serving as Chief Business Development Officer. It was at MEDITECH that Jim met the love of his life, Patti. Together, they recently celebrated their 36th wedding anniversary. Jim took immense pride in the family they built and in being a devoted and loving husband, father, brother, and grandfather.

An avid outdoorsman, Jim cherished family adventures to Yosemite, Hawaii, Zion, the Bahamas, and Ireland. Closer to home, he found equal joy in life's smaller adventures—boating across Duxbury Bay to Eagle's Nest, whale watching off the coast of Provincetown, and finding the nearest frozen pond for a skate.

Always "the ultimate captain", Jim was a steadfast champion of his family, friends, colleagues, and all those fortunate enough to know him. He was a skilled golfer, woodworker, skater, skier, and grill master. Family always came first. He was a constant presence at his children's soccer games, regattas, auditions, and performances, never missing an opportunity to cheer them on. He encouraged their passions, nurtured their talents, and inspired them to pursue their dreams.

Jim believed deeply in giving back to his community and was always quick to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. His generosity, kindness, and quiet leadership left a lasting impression on everyone whose life he touched. Jim possessed a quiet strength that made others feel supported, valued, and loved. He was truly one of a kind—a devoted family man, loyal friend, and natural leader whose legacy will live on in the countless lives he enriched. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved him.

Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, July 12, 2026 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the MacDonald Funeral Home of Marshfield. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, July 13, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. in the Holy Family Church of Duxbury.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim's memory to Cure HHT, online at: https://curehht.org/

For online guest book, driving directions and other helpful information please visit the website macdonaldfuneralhome.com