JAMES MERLE MERTZ, 97, of Hagerstown, MD went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, June 9, 2018. Born in Keedysville, MD on September 19, 1920, he was the son of the late, Hubert and Emma (Keyfauver) Mertz. James was a veteran of WW II, serving in the US Army. He attended Mt. View Baptist Church for twenty years. James was employed with Mack Truck for twenty years retiring in 1985. He loved gardening and especially tending to his roses. While traveling with his wife, they worked in the Mission Fields out west. James is survived by a daughter, Odessa Berger and a grandson, Brian Barnhart, Clear Spring, MD. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Elda Mertz on July 30, 2012; a brother, David Martz; a grandson, Michael Barnhart and a son-in-law, George Berger. Services will be held at 11am, Friday, June 15, 2018 at Minnich Funeral Home, 415 E. Wilson Blvd. Hagerstown, MD. Rev. Sean Brumbaugh will officiate. Burial will be in Boonsboro Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the Funeral Home. Memorial donations may be made to Mt. View Baptist Church, 12107 Walnut Point Rd., Hagerstown, MD 21740 or Hospice of Washington County, 747 Northern Ave., Hagerstown, MD 21742. Online condolences are accepted at www.minnichfh.com.