| Graduation Year | Class of 2005 |
| Date of Birth | Feb 04, 1986 |
| Date of Passing | Jul 01, 2023 |
| About | Jonathan "Sam" Merrill, 37, passed away July 1, 2023. Jonathan was born February 4, 1986 in Sault St. Marie, Michigan and adopted July, 22 1986 by John and Jan Merrill of Charlevoix, Michigan. Jonathan attended Charlevoix schools, graduated in 2005, and went on to Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, Michigan where he graduated in 2009 with a bachelor's degree in communication with a minor in biblical Greek. Following his passion for teaching and communication, he worked as a substitute teacher in Charlevoix and Emmet County schools from 2009 to 2015. During these years he forged strong and lifelong friendships and a deep and unwavering commitment to his faith. Discovering a profound love for the biblical text and for prayer, he studied eagerly and always found opportunities to share the transforming power of his relationship with Jesus to others. His pastoral gifting matured into leadership beyond the classroom as he helped establish Young Life Charlevoix and the Charlevoix House of Prayer. In 2017 Jonathan married the awaited love of his life, Jordan Enciso. Their firstborn, Haddie, was born in 2018, and they moved to Jacksonville, Florida. Asher and Lizzie were born shortly thereafter and Haviliah is expected in October. Being a father came naturally and effortlessly to Jonathan. Those around him began to recognize that the joy and nurturing of his family had emerged to him as his truest and highest calling. He believed that in addition to being a husband, fatherhood was the principal assignment for which he knew his soul had been created. Jonathan described himself as, "just a dad, with a Great Dad." He took his dad role as a reflection of his own Heavenly Father to his own children. "Sam" had an infectious love of his Jesus, and it spread to his family, friends, and anyone who would let him love them. He was a passionate theologian and self-described nerd. He was dedicated to helping people find freedom in Jesus Christ, particularly from struggles with addiction. He was most proud of his role as a father. His blog, www.justdad.blog, was his most recent expression of Godly fatherhood. He was employed by Fidelity Investments as a Help Desk Specialist where he served others and was cherished by many. Jonathan is survived by his wife, Jordan; their children, Hadassah (Haddie), Asher, Elizabeth (Lizzie), and Havilah (due in October); his mothers and fathers and in-laws, Jan Rieth Merrill and Walt Dark, John and Natalie Merrill, Mark and Brenda Rozine, Janet and Jon Enciso, and Laura Cook; his grandparents, Rita Rozine, Tom and Gloria Gohl; his siblings, David and Danielle Merrill, Zach (Don) Merrill, Jaclyn Merrill, Caipan Merrill, Chris and Brooke Rozine, Jeremy Rosine, Ryan and Danielle Johnson, Lainey Johnson, Stevie Johnson, Katie Enciso, Blake and Hannah Enciso; his step-siblings and his many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his birth-mother, Faith Gohl. A Memorial Celebration will be held on August 12th, 2023 at Community Church of God in Charlevoix at 11:00am. A memorial fund has been set up at Charlevoix State Bank (111 State St. Charlevoix MI 49720) to assist in deferring funeral costs and living expenses for his dependents during this trying time. If you would like to contribute please make out a check to Jan Merrill, with 'Merrill Family' in the memo line. |
