James Graham Merwin, born January 1, 1944, in Fresno, California, passed away on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the "Canonshire," his beloved home in Laguna Beach. Born to William and Elizabeth Merwin, Jim has three siblings: Marta, Bob, and Margaret.

Jim attended University of Pacific as an undergraduate, and he went on to complete his post-graduate work at UCLA. Jim was a dedicated, selfless public servant for his entire career and practiced law for the Public Defender's office, and also in private practice, for more than 35 years.

He retired in 2005 and enjoyed the last 20 years of his well-deserved retirement playing golf, travelling, watching the Angels and the Lakers, eating out at his favorite restaurants such as Cedar Creek Inn, Ruby's Diner, Corky's, and the Olive Garden, and spending time with family. He also loved fine tuning his golf game through countless iterations of his "swing thoughts!" But above all else, Jim's pride and joy was being Papi, AKA Grandpa, to his four grandchildren, Kyle, Carson, Grady, and Zinnia.

As we reflect on Jim's life, we remember him fondly as a generous, fair, kind man who was a champion for the underdog, and as someone who always put his family first. He was always there for his sons, his grandkids, and his family whenever someone needed help, and he took great pleasure in helping others. All in all, Jim lived a full and rewarding life. We are forever grateful for the time that we had with him. He will be missed.

Jim is survived by his two sons, Greg and Jason, his daughters-in-law Brandy and Amy, and his grandchildren, Kyle, Carson, Grady, and Zinnia.

A Celebration of Life Event is being planned for August of 2025. The details of the event will be shared with family and friends later this spring.