James and Merry Line of Alpena are blessed to celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary on Sept. 22. Mr. Line and the former Merry Alvarado were married Sept. 22, 1956 at Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Santa Barbara, California.

The couple had seven children: Teresa Line, Timothy Line, and Christine and Dennis Crossno, all of Alpena. Other children include Mark and Lorrie Line of Kansas City, Missouri and James Line of Atascadero, California. Eldest son Thomas Line and daughter Mary Stifle are both deceased. In addition to their children, they have eight grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

James is retired from the Street Department for the City of Redlands, California. Both he and Merry spent many years volunteering for the Elks Lodge and Emblem Club as they have been members since 1982. James was a founding member of the Santa Barbara County Food Bank in Santa Maria, California.

Currently, James and Merry reside together at MediLodge of Green View in Alpena. They are a testament of what true love is and their love for each other has been the bond that has kept them together for 65 wonderful years.