John William “J.B” Merrill, Jr.

John William Merrill Jr., known to friends and family as “JB,” passed away peacefully on October 25, 2024, at the age of 75 after a courageous battle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP). He passed surrounded by loved ones and dedicated caregivers.

Born in Barnesville, Ohio, on June 27, 1949, JB was the son of John and Vivian (Sulsberger) Merrill. A standout athlete at Barnesville High School, JB excelled in both basketball and football. He proudly represented the Shamrocks throughout his entire life. JB continued his education at Eastern Kentucky University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1971, followed by a Master of Science degree from the University of Kentucky in 1972.

Following his education, JB served his country in the U.S. Army from 1972 to 1974. After his military service ended, he embarked on a successful career in healthcare, specializing in recreational therapy, behavioral health, sales, and business development. A defining role of his career was as the Child Life Director at Phoenix Children’s Hospital during its formative years. In this capacity, he led a groundbreaking national research study that later became the foundation for the Child Life Profession, a legacy that continues to shape pediatric care across the country to this day.

JB later found immense fulfillment in coordinating outdoor activities for wounded veterans. His devotion to providing recreational opportunities for these veterans was a cause close to his heart bringing him great joy as well as positively impacting the lives of these American veterans.

JB was a man of many passions. As an accomplished runner, JB completed seven marathons from New York to San Francisco, as well as the prestigious Boston Marathon in 1992. His commitment to physical fitness extended beyond running. He was a firm believer in the importance of maintaining a healthy mind, body, and spirit. A dedicated sports fan, he was particularly devoted to college football. His loyalty to the Ohio State Buckeyes was second to none. He rarely missed a game, often gathered with friends and family. With his passion successfully passed to future generations, his loved ones will carry on his Buckeye pride, honoring his memory with each game and every victory.

Music was another of JB’s lifelong loves. He could always be counted on to share a song or piece of trivia that would spark nostalgia and conversation. If you were lucky, he was even known to occasionally grab a microphone and perform one of his favorite hits from Sting, Eagles or the Doobie Brothers. When he was not running, listening to music, or watching football, JB could often be found on the golf course or at the lake fishing. He was an outdoorsman at heart and felt most at peace when surrounded by nature, particularly at the beach.

JB’s greatest pride and joy were his family and friends. He is survived by his beloved wife of 35 years, Jude, his son and daughter-in-law, Brandon and Colleen of Columbus Ohio, and his cherished grandchildren, Keegan and Cameron. His kindness, generosity, and gentle spirit touched the lives of all who knew him. JB was blessed with friendship from many who remained faithfully by his side throughout his entire journey. JB’s family will remember him as a man who lived each day with gratitude, compassion, and a deep love for those closest to him.

JB will be dearly missed, but his legacy of love, service, and joy for life will endure in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM Friday, January 31 at Hansen Mortuary in the Desert Hills Chapel, 6500 E. Bell Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85254. A celebration of JB’s life will immediately follow the service. Those who wish, may send donations to K2 Adventures Foundation at k2adventures.org in memory of JB.