James Mertz

November 28, 1931 - November 23, 2020

James Mertz, 88, a resident of Fort Myers, FL for the past 15 years, formerly of the Chicago area and Long Beach, IN, passed away Monday, November 23, 2020 in Fort Myers.  He was born November 28, 1931 in Cleveland, OH to George and Helen Mertz, now deceased.

James was of Presbyterian faith and was a member of New Hope Presbyterian Church in Fort Myers.  He also served in the United States Marines.  

He is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Dorie Mertz of Fort Myers; two loving daughters, Susan Crawford (William) of Fort Myers, and Nancy Boughey of Hillsborough, NC; one grandson, John Holwell (Jennifer) of Chapel Hill, NC; as well as one great granddaughter, Reese James Holwell.

A Celebration of Life will be held 11:00 am Wednesday, December 9, 2020 at New Hope Presbyterian Church, 10051 Plantation Road, Fort Myers, FL 33966.

Memorial Contributions in memory of James Mertz are suggested to one of the following: Gulf Coast Humane Society, C/O Tammy, 2010 Arcadia Street, Fort Myers, FL 33916 or  Hope Hospice Development Department, 9470 HealthPark Circle, Fort Myers, FL 33908 or New Hope Presbyterian Church, 10051 Plantation Road, Fort Myers, FL 33966.

Mullins Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Fort Myers, is entrusted with final care.

Guestbook

  1. John T Holwell Nov 29, 2020 at 4:25 pm

    To the Mertz family. I’m so sorry to hear the loss of Jim a fine man and one of the smartest men I’ve ever had the pleasure and privilege to know.

  2. Julian and Ada Meeks Dec 9, 2020 at 3:59 pm

    We so wish we had the opportunity to have known Mr Mertz. He sounds like a marvelous individual.
    We are honored to have welcomed his Grandson John into our family.
    Talking with John, we realize what a great influence he was in his life. He often says: “Pops or Jim would or would not agree” John talks of Him often.
    I know those that knew him will treasure his memory and those of us who did not , will always wish that we had known him.
    May God give His Family Peace and Comfort

  3. Julian and Ada Meeks Dec 9, 2020 at 4:35 pm

    It is with great sorrow that we acknowledge the death of Mr James Mertz. We are fortunate to have welcomed his Grandson John into our family and we often hear John speak of him.
    What a great influence he was on John’s life. John is always reflecting as to whether “Pops or Jim would agree or not agree’ on something.
    Those that knew him will treasure his memory and those of us that did not will always wish we had known him.
    May God offer comfort and refuge to His Family .

  4. Donna & Bob Gildea Dec 20, 2020 at 10:32 pm

    He was a kind, loving gentleman. We are very sad for your loss.
    John’s sister — Donna and Bob Gildea

  5. GERALD PIEKARSKI Jan 14, 2022 at 10:10 pm

    I just happened to follow up on Jim and found his obituary.
    Many family members don’t know who I am, or remember me, except possibly Susan(Suzie), but I met Jim in approx 1969 and I admired him not only as a coworker but as a person in his accomplishments as a leader to get things done. He has helped me and my family in many ways. He always told me to “Not Take Things Personal”, but I always did and I still do. I remember my wife and I helping things for his sister Shirley.
    I had it on my “Bucket List” to hook up with Jim one last time, but as time goes by so fast, I never made it.
    I’ve thought of Jim many times since the last time I saw him in around 2001 and rcvd a card in 2007 when my daughter passed away. Jim was a person I looked up to and appreciated all he has done for me and my family.
    My condolences go out to the entire family. In my eyes, he was a great person. I looked up to him and respected him.
    I will sign off with the name he gave me, and to this day still use it, and always will, on my license plates, emails, etc.
    Many Thanks Jim,
    GEEP
    .

  6. Ann Gardner Jan 15, 2022 at 1:54 pm

    Dori,
    I’m so sad to hear of Jim’s passing.
    You have my heartfelt condolences.
    Ann

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