James C. Mercer

James Council Mercer, 95, of Vidor, Texas died September 13, 2022 at his home in Vidor, Texas surrounded by many of his loving family. Jim was born on July 14, 1927 in Elysian Fields, Texas to Ex Brock Mercer and Lizzie Bell Woodley Mercer. He was the fourth of eight children. At the age of 18, he enlisted in the Naval Reserve. Following basic training, he was stationed at Pearl Harbor with an aircraft revamping crew. After his military service, Jim began working at grocery stores. There he met his lifetime mentor and friend, CH Williams who taught him the basics of grocery management. Over the years, Jim managed stores throughout the area and retired from Speirs Discount Foods in Nederland. He was active in the Vidor First United Methodist Church and belonged to several service organizations. After retirement, he enjoyed volunteering with the Vidor Christian Care Center and reading with children at VISD. The most fun volunteer spot was as Santa Claus for several years with FUMC Mother's Day Out! In his “spare time” Jim was an avid golfer and played until he was 92!! He played in 15 states from Pebble Beach in California, across the country to Myrtle Beach N. Carolina. At one time Jim had a handicap of 2. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Ex and Lizzie Mercer, his first wife and mother of his children, Dorothy O'Neal Mercer, brothers, Gordon Mercer, and Tex Mercer, sisters, Mary McMahan, Daisy Campbell, Dorothy Lester, and Lindy Fisher, son, Richard Fisher. Those left to cherish memories of Jim, include his wife of 36 years, Dorothy “Dooley” Mercer, sister Peggy Peal, daughters, Nancy & son-in-law Steve Mueller, Marilyn Petkovsek, son James “Jimmy” B. Mercer, Sherrie & son-in-law Rick Lebo, Robert “Bobby” Fisher, Dale & daughter-in-law Alexandra Fisher, 15 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren, the “Z” family, many cousins, family members and friends, A gathering of friends and family will be at 1:00 pm on September 17, 2022 at First United Methodist Church in Vidor, Texas with celebration of Jim's life beginning at 2:00 pm. Burial at Oak Bluff Cemetery in Port Neches, Texas at 3:00 pm. Our family extends our sincere appreciation to the members of First United Methodist Church and the staff of Heart to Heart Hospice for their support and care of Jim during this time. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to First United Methodist Church PO Box 656 Vidor, Texas 77670 or Vidor Christian Care Center PO Box 487 Vidor Texas 77670.