Jimmy De La Zerda

Jimmy De La Zerda, 78, passed away on July 29, 2025, after a courageous battle with
cancer. He was born in Floresville, Texas, to Macario De La Zerda and Juanita Garza
De La Zerda on November 7, 1946.
After graduating from Poth High School in 1966, Jimmy proudly joined the U.S. Army
and served his country with honor. While stationed in Korea, he earned the Armed
Forces Expeditionary Medal. He also picked up a few Korean phrases, which he
surprised us with just recently - delighting his nurse, who happened to be Korean.
Jimmy had an incredible memory and never forgot a birthday or anniversary.

Jimmy was married to Luz Ramirez for 21 years, and together they raised a son,
Michael. Over the years, they shared a love for trail rides, trips to the coast, and caring
for their horses. As a father, Jimmy led by example - teaching Michael the value of hard
work and the importance of being a man of integrity. He was endlessly proud of his son
and adored his grandchildren. When they were little, he'd scoop them into his arms and
proudly carry them along on family visits. As they grew older and achieved milestones,
like graduating from college, he proudly carried their invitations and awards in his truck -
ready to show them off to anyone he saw at Circle G. His greatest joy was telling people
his son was a doctor. He didn't always mention that Michael had a Ph.D. and not an
M.D. - he was just so proud.

Jimmy spent most of his life working with heavy equipment. His career began at the
Panna Maria uranium recovery mine and later took him across Texas building
infrastructure, including major interstate highways in San Antonio and the Dallas–Fort
Worth area. He was especially proud of his time in Colorado, where he helped lay the
tarmac for the Denver International Airport. When asked recently about his favorite
memory from those days, he recalled the massive air show held to celebrate the
project's completion. He spoke with wonder about the C-5 jumbo jets, watching them
shoot straight up into the sky until they disappeared.

In addition to his work in construction, Jimmy served as a sworn peace officer for Wilson
County, proudly wearing the badge of Deputy Sheriff. One of his most memorable
moments on the force was helping carry out a major drug bust. He had a strong sense
of right and wrong and took pride in protecting his community and the people he loved.

Jimmy had a sharp wit and a one-of-a-kind sense of humor. If you spent time with him,
you knew to expect a clever remark or a story that would leave you laughing. In and
around Poth, it's hard to find someone who didn't know Jimmy De La Zerda. He was
generous with his time, steady in his friendships, and deeply devoted to the people he
loved. He made it a point to stay connected calling to check in if he hadn't heard from
someone in a while and never missing an opportunity to offer help or a kind word.
He was a devoted uncle and a constant in the lives of his many nieces and nephews,
each of whom held a special place in his heart. Jimmy will be deeply missed by all who
knew him, but the stories, laughter, and love he shared will live on through every life he
touched.

Jimmy is preceded in death by his parents, Macario and Juanita De La Zerda.
Those left to cherish and continue his legacy include his son, Michael De La Zerda
(Sandra); grandchildren, Audrey De La Zerda and Jayton De La Zerda (Lindsay); and
his siblings: Sally Coronado, Adela Ashburn (Michael), Stella Soliz, Delia Ramirez,
Eloisa Ingmire (John), Johnny De La Zerda (Mary), Jesse De La Zerda (Quina), Dwayne De La
Zerda (Jodi), and Darla Polasek (Edward), his longtime companion Beverly Felts, and
many extended family members and friends.
A visitation and funeral services will take place on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at Blessed
Sacrament Catholic Church. Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM, the Holy Rosary will be
recited at 10:00 AM, and a Funeral Mass will follow at 10:30 AM. Interment will take
place at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Cemetery.

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