MERLINI, James V., longtime Alabama broadcast journalist, Jim Merlini died at his home Oct. 14 following a long battle with cancer and heart conditions.  He was 65.  Funeral services will be held Friday, October 26 at 3:00p.m. at Young Meadows Pres­byterian Church. Mr. Merlini worked for more than 35 years as a newsman in Mont­gomery, much of it as capitol correspondent for the Ala­bama Radio Network and, more recently, the Metro Net­works.  He was a frequent guest on Alabama Public Television's ''For the Record'' program.  A master of audio production, he was well known for his elaborate ''Ca­pitol Capsules'' features, sati­rizing the state's politicians and public officials.  Mr. Merli­ni was a graduate of Lanier High School and attended the University of Alabama be­fore joining the Air Force dur­ing the Vietnam War.  He served as an aircraft radio maintenance specialist on Okinawa and, upon returning to civilian life, became active in the state Vietnam Veterans of America.  His tireless efforts to raise awareness of issues affecting veterans led to his selection as the 1995 Alabam­a VVA's Vietnam Veteran of the Year.  Contributions to the Vietnam Veterans of Ameri­ca, 8605 Cameron St., Suite400, Silver Springs, MD 20910, are requested in lieu of flow­ers.
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Funeral Home: none
Publication Date: 10/24/2007