James Merritt West, of Leeds, NY passed away on Friday, October 30, 2026.  

Born in Tannersville, NY on January 13, 1931, he was the son of the late James and Lucy (nee Thorpe) West of East Jewett, NY.

After graduating from Hunter-Tannersville Central School, Jim served in the Army Corps of Engineers in Korea during the Korean War.  After completing military service, he entered the NY Ranger School and upon graduation married Shirley Brooks of Honeoye Falls, NY.  

Shortly thereafter, they left for Liberia, West Africa, where he was plantation superintendent on the Firestone Plantations Company rubber plantations.  Their three children were born in Liberia.  Upon returning to Tannersville, he went to work for the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation on a survey crew.  He obtained a land surveyor license, served in various positions in the department, and retired as director of Land Acquisition.  He was a recipient of the Earnest F. Trad Award, DEC's highest employee honor.

Jim was a charter member of the East Jewett Fire Company and later was a member of the Tannersville Fire Company and the Rescue Squad.  He also served on the Hunter-Tannersville School Board of Education and was a member of American Legion Bunt-Brewer Post 165.

After retirement, Jim and Shirley traveled extensively in their recreational vehicle, visiting all 49 of the continental states and all the provinces of Canada.  He enjoyed hiking and was a member of the Catskill 3500 Club and has been a member of the Golden Agers Bowling League for many years.

Jim is survived by his wife of 71 years, Shirley; daughters, Barbara (Paul) Fischbach and Sandra West; son, William West; three grandchildren, Kyra (Tony) Harris, Jamie Locke, and Evan West; three great-grandchildren, ToniLeigh Harris, Kaylin Harris, and Connor Schiefer; several nieces and nephews.  

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sisters, Doris Brooks and Roberta Sandwina; and his granddaughter, Jawea Schiefer, wife of Joseph Schiefer.

Care has been entrusted to Decker Funeral Home, 5312 State Route 23, Windham, where a calling hour will be held on Friday, November 13 from 11 a.m. until noon.  A memorial service will be held at noon at the funeral home, followed by burial of his ashes, with military honors at Pleasant Valley Cemetery in Ashland.

Memorial contributions in his memory to the charity of your choice will be appreciated.  Condolence messages may be posted at http://deckerfh.com.