James W. “Bunk” Mercer, 76, of Mattapoisett died peacefully December 5, 2020 at home surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with ALS.
He was the devoted husband of Judith A. (Smith) Mercer, with whom he shared 38 years of marriage.
Born in Boston on Bunker Hill Day, son of the late James D. and Annie J. (Montgomery) Mercer, he was raised in Birmingham, AL. He later lived in Washington, D.C., Arlington, VA, Meridian, MS, Leicester, MA, Cranston, RI, and San Diego, CA before recently moving to Mattapoisett, MA.
James graduated from Livingston College (now the University of South Alabama) and earned an MBA from Mississippi State University in Meridian. He provided computer support at Washington Gas Light Company, Stream and Microsoft, and consumer support at Metropolitan Life Insurance.
He was a beloved husband and kind, dear person deeply loved by his family and friends. His quick wit and wonderful sense of humor were always endearing, and his kindness and generosity blessed all his friends and family. He cherished his family and dear friends and loved to read, explore new and different areas and share those experiences with others. In his younger days, James earned his pilot’s license and was a certified scuba diver. He loved walking and living a healthy life to the end. He supported his wife in countless ways and was very proud of her professional accomplishments.
Survivors include his wife; daughters Mary Melson of Mattapoisett and Amy Melson of Delhi, NY, and their respective partners Marc Anderson and Aaron Gell; three brothers, Fred Mercer and his wife, Teresa, of Mobile, AL; Robert Mercer and his wife, Gayla, of Fairhope, AL; Richard Mercer and his wife, Mary Lucas Mercer, of Orange Beach, AL; his uncle, Bob Russell of Foley, AL; three grandchildren, Sophie, Russell and Nora Gell; nieces Lindsey Mercer Hilner (Jason), Angel Mercer Smith (Michael), and Jessica Mercer, as well as nephews Leo, AJ (Katie), Matt, and Justin (Ashley) Mercer and several cousins. His three sisters-in-law and their husbands include Mary Jean Foster and Steve of Windermere, FL; Diane Wallace and Bob Home of Tarpon Springs, FL; and Anne and Jack Humeniuk of Standish, ME. Dearest best friends include Jim and Lee Noles of Lewes, DE; Mike and Sue Ellen Gray of Birmingham and Orange Beach, AL; and Harold and Danita Crabbe of Bessemer, AL. He was the brother of the late Charles Mercer.
His family would like to thank the staff of the Community Nurse Home Care Hospice Program at Fairhaven, MA, and Compassionate Care-ALS in Falmouth, MA, for their tremendous care and support.
Celebrations of his life will be held in June in Rhode Island and Alabama, and in Maine in July. If one wishes to honor James’ memory, in lieu of flowers, please make a donation in his name to The Community Nurse Home Care Hospice Program at 62 Center St. Fairhaven, MA 02719. Arrangements are by the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Mattapoisett. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.
