Jerry J. Mercer

– Jerry Jay Mercer of Evaro and Missoula, lost his courageous and hard-fought battle with mesothelioma at St. Patrick Hospital on Monday, July 20, 2015, three weeks after his 61st birthday. Diagnosed in January 2014 and given four to six months to live, he beat that prediction because of his determination and the prayers of people all over the U.S.

He was born July 1, 1954, the youngest son of J. William and Jean (Gruly) Mercer at the old Community Hospital on East Main. He joined his three brothers and three sisters on the family ranch at Evaro. His arrival broke the tie between the brothers and sisters, giving the brothers the win, 4 to 3.

His childhood was spent on the ranch, riding horses, herding cows and sheep, haying and playing with his siblings.

He attended school at Frenchtown, graduating in May 1972. While in school he played basketball and ran track, usually the 120 low hurdles and 1600 relay. In his senior year he qualified for the state meet and garnered fifth in the state in the 120 low hurdles.

In September 1972 he rode his motorcycle to Phoenix, Arizona, to attend Devry Institute of Technology. He earned an associate degree in computer programming in 1974.

Returning to Montana he worked at various jobs.

In 1978 he moved to San Diego, California, where his sister Ada was living. While in California he worked for several technology firms and attended community college furthering his education in computer programming.

He returned to Montana to spend time with his aging mother, eventually becoming her 24/7 caregiver until her death in 2000.

After her death he began training with his brother-in-law, John Lee to obtain his CDL. Deciding that ranching suited his personality better he worked for Sandy and John on their ranch until 2012 when he returned to school to update his programming skills.

He enjoyed riding his motorcycle and tinkering with machinery and trying to make anything that didn't run come to life. If you asked him about computers he'd be glad to tell you that the only real computer made was a Mac.

Jerry was a kind, considerate, stubborn man without guile who spoke ill of no one and took you at your word. People who met him soon became his friend because he was always a friend to them. He was loved by his nieces and nephews and adored by his great nieces and nephews who said he was "the greatest Uncle ever."

His passing has left an empty, sad space in our hearts and lives. He was a brave man who fought this terrible disease and succumbed unwillingly with his family at his bedside.

His last goal was to attend his nephew Benjamin's wedding on July 18. Unable to attend in person Jerry was able to see and hear Benjamin and Maria take their vows via Facetime. We are so grateful Jerry was able to be there.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother-in law, Leroy Bowman.

He is survived by brothers, Tex (Dawn) of Missoula, Chet (Linda), Don (Ann) of Evaro; sisters, Sandy (John) Lee, Ada (Jim) Reep of Evaro and Sue Ann (Bob) Matoon of Great Falls.

Many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews to include, Shelley (Tom) Andres, Neela, Jon, Kyla and Max; Nathan (Denise) Reep, Jacob and Zachary; Dawn Renee Mercer; Sharla Reep; Jena Bowman (Rick) Holets, Carson and Kailey Lang; Chet William (CW), Daniel and Rheanna (fiancé Patrick Williams) Mercer; Aaron Bowman and fiancé Jennifer Dwyer; Denise Lloyd and fiancé Chris Fielding, Emma, Kara, Alysa and Jorja; Benjamin (Maria) Mercer; Jeremiah Mercer; Rebekah (Steven) Bleecker, Hudson; Sarah Mercer; Matthew, Naomi and Michael Mercer. And several favorite cousins.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to their sister Ada Reep who devoted herself to Jerry and his health and well being for the past year and a half. Also to Jerry's doctors: Benjamin Grass, John Lindford, Jeffrey Stephenson and all the staff at Partnership Health, St. Patrick Hospital and the oncology unit. Your friendship and warmth made Jerry's remaining days and passing easier on not only him, but those of us who remain.

Viewing will be Friday, July 24, from 4 to 8 p.m.; services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 25, at Garden City Funeral Home. Burial will follow in the family plot at Missoula City Cemetery. A potluck reception to follow at Missoula Church of Christ, 1528 S. Higgins Ave., Missoula.

As one of his doctors fondly said "Jerry was his own man."

"The time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight; I have finished the course; I have kept the faith." (2 Timothy)

We love and miss you already little brother.

Condolences may be sent to gardencity@missoulafuneralhomes.com or 5150 Mercer Lane, Missoula, MT 59808.
Read Jerry Mercer's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.