George James 'Jim' Merseal, 81

George James "Jim" Merseal, 81, of Missoula, passed away on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2009, at St. Patrick Hospital, of cancer. Jim was born Oct. 25, 1927, in Superior, to Kathryn and George Merseal.

Jim attended school in Montana until going to work for the Northern Pacific Railroad at the age of 15. He worked for the Northern Pacific and Burlington Northern railroads until his retirement in 1989. Jim was a union representative and on the executive board for the BMWE during his career with the railroad.

On Dec. 2, 1951, he married his life companion, Donna Erlandson, and they raised six children in Missoula.

In the 1960s, Jim started stock-car racing at the Missoula track in Miller Creek, and their home became the center for many nights of rebuilding engines and getting the No. 92 ready for the next race. When he stopped racing, he was involved with Motor Sports Inc. to bring demo derby racing to surrounding towns.

After retiring from the railroad he started his new "job" - golf. He enjoyed spending his days at the golf course with his friends and family. Jim also enjoyed doing woodwork in his garage.

Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Donna; daughters, Devera Eggers, and Shirley and Bob Hummer; sons, Delmer, Butch and his wife, Penny, Ray, and Jim and his wife, Amber; eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, a sister and a son-in-law, Dennis Eggers.

Please join us for a celebration of Jim's life from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 14, at Linda Vista Golf Course. Services will be held at 3:30 p.m. Friday, March 13, at the Western Montana State Veterans Cemetery for family and relatives.

Memorials may be sent to Camp Mak-A-Dream, P.O. Box 1450, Missoula, MT 59806; Hospice of Missoula; or take a friend golfing.

Cremation & Burial Society of the Rockies assisted the family.