James was born on the 7th of October, 1845 in Chesire, England and while with the US Navy, he was on board the USS Colorado where he displayed actions that would earn him the Medal of Honor. The citation reads:

Landsman and member of Company D during the capture of the Korean forts, 9 and 10 June 1871, Merton was severely wounded in the arm while trying to force his way into the fort.

James F Merton died on the 9th of January, 1900 at the age of 54 and is buried in the Bellefontaine Cemetery in Saint Louis, Missouri; Block 172, Lot 2851, Space 17.