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James Mercer Obituary
Brockport/Swain, NY: James L. Mercer, died peacefully September 30, 2008 at age 71. Born March 25, 1937, he grew up and lived most of his life in Hamlin, NY. Jim worked for Eastman Kodak Company until his retirement in 1986. He managed to stay busy after retirement by becoming a Bus Driver for the Brockport School District. He excelled in downhill skiing, tennis and teaching others how to enjoy the day. He taught many people how to ski throughout his lifetime, with over 30 years instructing at Swain Ski Resort, which earned him the honorary title "The Mayor of Swain".
He is predeceased by his parents, Perry Thomas Mercer and Julia (Cotter); his brothers, Donald, Perry II, Robert and his sister, Eunice. He is survived by his wife Patricia (Farrell); sons, James of CA., Perry III (Gina); daughter, Dawn (Patrick) Didas; grandchildren, Jordan and Justin Mercer, Cody and Chelsea Didas; sister, Helen Fairand of Ithaca; several sister-in-laws and brother-in-laws; nieces, nephews and many dear friends.
Memorial Celebration will be held at 2:00-4:00 PM and 7:00-9:00 PM, Thursday, October 2nd at Fowler Funeral Home located at 340 West Avenue in Brockport. Interment will be held privately with the immediate family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the James P. Wilmont Cancer Center Office of Development.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Mercer
Michael Decker
October 29, 2008
I will always remember Jimmy as a happy guy with something good to say about everyone. He was a large part of Swain Ski School! He will be missed!!!
Phil & Maureen Jones
October 29, 2008
Jim was a favorite of everyone in the Swain Ski School and will be sadly missed by all of us who knew and worked with him. He had a kind word and a smile for everyone.
Kathy Arena
October 29, 2008
Merc,
Many lives were touched by you, ours included. We will never forget the man with the huge heart.
Larry and Dotti Humm
October 18, 2008
A smiling face and happy presence has left us. We always enjoyed being with Merc and Pat whether it was at Swain or around Brockport.
We hope that his family will be comforted knowing that others, like us, will not forget such a wonderful man.
With love,
ralph ruoff
October 5, 2008
so sorry to hear of my classmates passing from this earth. we were together, in the class of 1954, but i then left brockport; and lost touch with an old friend. i still remember that infectious smile tho' and the laughs we did have in the old alma mater. may you rest in peace, jim.
i'll look forward to our next reunion.
ralph ruoff, sarasota, florida.
sharon robinson
October 2, 2008
Dear Perry & Gina,Justin and Jordan, I am so sorry for the loss of your Dad and grandfather,He will be missed by everyone, Love Sharon and Allen Robinson
Tom & Linda Miller and Magda (Abuela) Leal
October 2, 2008
To the Mercer & Didas Families,
We were sadden with the news of Jims passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May your memories bring you comfort.
Mike Gorman
October 2, 2008
Jim- I'll never forget the memories we had working together at Kodak, the friendship we developed, and our fun ski trips.
I won't forget our dinners at Glen's Restaurant either.
Wally, Lorraine, Carley & Jake Walsworth
October 2, 2008
Mrs Mercer & Family
Jim will be missed at Swain, he was always smiling.The slopes won't be the same without him.
The Strickland's
October 2, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all that new " The Merc". He had the biggest, kindness heart of any man. He would always be more than willing to help anyone, anytime. To the Mercers and Didas's we love you alot. We will keep all of you in our prayers. Merc, you will be greatly missed by all. God Bless
Melody Zaccaria
October 2, 2008
Dear Pat, I worked with you long before I had the pleasure of working with and knowing Jim. He was such a talented person. Always quick with a smile and knowledge to share. We will miss him dearly, but knowing Jim, he will be helping getting everything ready for his family and friends for when we meet him again. Until then, we can rejoice knowing that day will come. Melody Warner-Zaccaria
Louise Cardillo
October 2, 2008
I am so sorry that I was unable to attend today's services. Jim meant so much to our family. Gabrielle was always pretty shy, but what a happy day in Kindergarten to find that Mr. Mercer was her bus driver. A friendly face that both the girls knew and loved from Swain. And it made you very cool in school to be on his bus!
What a wonderful man, we will miss him and his joyful spirit. Best wishes at this difficult time. Louise Cardillo and family David, Gabrielle, Meghan and Nicholas.
Les Anderson, Jr.
October 2, 2008
Pat, Jim, Perry and Dawn,
I have always said that the success of a person should be measured not by possesions or monetary means, but by the number of people that the person loves and is loved by. With that being said, Jim was perhaps one of the most successful people I have ever known.
Charlie Donn
October 2, 2008
Although "Mercer" and I were close friends for less than two years, he made me feel like we grew-up together and were next door neighbors for more than 50 years. "Mercer" knew more about what, how and why things grew than any person I ever met. His promotion and knowledge of tennis including players, equipment details and local facilities was truly remarkable. I'll never forget our morning visits at Brugger's and Flipping Burgers. We covered a lot of ground. When you traveled the roads of western Monroe County with "Mercer" you did not need a GPS. On one occasion he was even able to give my wife Helaine a driving tip or two.
Jim, We will miss you. You are what a friend should be!
October 2, 2008
"What's going on?"
We'll all miss hearing Mercer's typical greeting and his regular stops at our houses. He was one of a kind and he touched all of our lives in many and different ways. He taught us to ski, to drive, took us for drives to small, out of the way towns, grilled up burgers, took care of our lawns, introduced us to new people, and, of course, always shared his opinion about everything and anything! And he did it all out of the goodness of his heart! There's no one like Mercer and we'll miss him terribly but can take comfort in the fact that he left us with so many fond memories and stories to share. We'll always remember you, Mercer!
The Kleinhans, Viscardi, and Ackermann families
Elizabeth Yulan
October 2, 2008
Perry, am so sorry for your loss. my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Friend
October 1, 2008
RIP <3
Jona, Cory, Grace and Austin Wright
October 1, 2008
Mercer "Mayor", we will miss you! We have a wonderful family because of you, we are thankful for you being a part of our lives at different times for different reasons, a friend, a coach, neighbor, mentor- you will remain in our hearts forever!
Joy (Leverenz) Ruffell
October 1, 2008
I am so very sorry for your loss and ours. Life will not be the same without "Mercer". He will be extremely missed by all, especially his life long buddies. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Rocco, Kelly, Cecilia, Tori, and Joey Salomone
October 1, 2008
To our dear friends Pat, Perry and Gina, Dawn and Patrick, Jim, Jordan, Justin, Cody, and Chelsea,
Our lives changed 7 years ago when we moved to our home and Jim became our neighbor on Coleman Creek Road. And now, life will never be the same without him. I've lost a dad and Rocco has lost his best friend.
This poem reflects how Jim touched every person he knew in simple, caring ways and certainly left the world and all of us a bit better because he was here:
To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people
and the affection of children;
to earn the appreciation of honest critics
and endure the betrayal of false friends;
to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others;
to leave the world a bit better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition;
to know even one life has breathed easier because
you have lived. This is to have succeeded.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Wherever you are Jim, I hope there are many flowers, birds, and green lawns for you to enjoy. Those now in your company are blessed to have you. Until we meet again... we love you, Jim.
Angel Hotchkiss
October 1, 2008
Patti, i am so sorry for your loss. I am so thankful for the memories at Chuck-A-Lyns, in Nunda, always serving him scrambled eggs, whole wheat toast and of course diet pepsi. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Sincerely
Jerry Graf
October 1, 2008
Many Thanks for All the Tennis Lessons & Lessons of Life taught to all who had the pleasure to play with Jim on the Tennis courts. He deserves to be the "Mayor" of Brockport & Spencerport Tennis Courts. We will ALL miss him.
The Tennis Gang
Wendy Lane
October 1, 2008
What a dear man. I am thankful for the opportunity to play tennis with Jim. I valued his pointers and words of encouragement. He made me a better player. He will be truly missed. My thoughts and prayer to his family.
Annie Staszewski
October 1, 2008
Swain will NEVER be the same without you...I'll miss you.
Annie
Roxanne Burne
October 1, 2008
Jim was our neighborhood groundskeeper and lawn authority. My family has frequently mentioned that he should be named neighbor of the year. He was always available to lend a helping hand. He will be greatly missed.
Roxanne Burne and family
Skip and Chris Sylvester
October 1, 2008
Mrs. Mercer-
We were sorry to hear about Jim's passing. He was a wonderful person, first as a patient then as a friend on the "outside". He will be sadly missed around Swain. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Please let us know if we can do anything for you.
Skip, Chris, and Chelsea Sylvester
The Carpenter Family
October 1, 2008
Patti, Jimmy, Perry, Gina, Dawn, Pat & the grandchildren,
We are so incredibly sorry for the loss of your wonderful husband, father & grandpa. We know all to well how hard it is to lose such a wonderful part of your lives. Jim was such a super person. He will be missed very much by all. We are so sorry, we will not be able to make the calling hours, but please know all of you are in our thoughts & prayers.
Sincerely,
Stacy(Anderson), Todd, Tyler, Gavin, Corbin, Alyssa & Dalton Carpenter
Patrick Didas
October 1, 2008
Merc was a great father-in-law. I will miss the random visits he made with us, as I am sure so many people will. He was awesome to his kids and grandkids.
Jeff Parizek
October 1, 2008
Uncle Jim,
It seems like yesterday I was a kid coming to watch the Hamlin Parade in your front yard! You will always be remembered for the wonderful person you were, the many lives you touched and this world won't be the same, I'll miss you Uncle Jim!
Jeff
Jim Hall
October 1, 2008
Jim thank you for the great times at Swain. You will be missed.
Jeff, Jennifer, Cooper and Jake Setter
September 30, 2008
Grampa Mercer ,as he was known to us, will always have special place in our hearts.
He will be missed by many
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