Pittsburgh community leaders, friends, and coworkers describe the late fire chief, James 'Jim' Merrow, as a sincere and caring man.
He passed away unexpectedly Monday at Herrin Hospital.
Merrow's friend and co-worker, Steve Gabby said,"It's kind of hard to believe you wouldn't have thought it'd happen that soon and that quick really.'
The news came as a shock to the Pittsburgh community.
Friends say Merrow had a bad liver and planned to see a specialist in St. Louis. But Sunday Merrow had sharp pains and couldn't keep his balance.
"At first they didn't think so they thought they had all the bleeding stopped and everything I went back the next day Monday.." said Gabby.
But Monday, he lost that battle. He was surrounded by family and friends when he passed.
Merrow was a founding member of the Pittsburgh Volunteer Fire Department, where he served as fire chief for decades.