James Louis Mertz

James Louis Mertz went to be with our Lord on October 18, 2025. He wrote about what a joyous day it would be to enter heaven and be with his Lord, parents, Emil & Lela Mertz, sister, Marion, aunt, Lourene, and many other family and friends. He had so many questions and finally he has answers.

Jim felt he had lived 3 lives. The first life was growing up in Yoakum, Texas, going to school (graduating from both UT at Austin and Texas A&M). He proudly served in the Navy during WWII.

The next life started with his 44-year career with J.W. Bateson Construction. Starting as an estimator, then overseeing projects all over the United States. During this time, he was blessed with 3 children. Finally, he was promoted to Vice President of Bateson and President of Centex Construction Company. He was thrilled to stop traveling and spend his days in the Dallas office. He met Brenda, and they were 7 days short of 51 years together. They enjoyed boating on Lake Texoma, serving in Coast Guard Auxiliary for 20 years, tennis, bridge, traveling, attending two churches, and being a Stephen minister.

Jim said he saved the best life for last. In 1990, he retired and moved to Granbury. In his early retirement, he did some construction, built a home in DeCordova on Lake Granbury and supervised the construction of 2 Lutheran churches in Granbury. During this time, he served on several boards in the community. He enjoyed boating, fishing, traveling, playing bridge, golf and tennis. All this fulfilled a lifelong dream of waking up and deciding what fun thing to do that day.

Jim & Brenda spent his remaining 8 years in Trinity Terrace. He enjoyed exercise classes, pool, social hour, entertainment, and many friends.

It is remarkable Jim lived 99 years without any major health issues until the last few months. On January 12, he would have been 100 years old. His family will commemorate his exceptionally long and healthy life on his birthday.

Jim is survived by his devoted and loving wife Brenda, daughters, Janice (David) Rouse of Prosper, TX and Linda (Doyle) Moss of Willow Park, TX; son, James Louis Mertz, Jr (Robin) of Fairfax, VA; six grandchildren, Jason Rouse, Tracy (Andy) Bradstreet, Megan (Matt ) Hendricks, Tyler (Gwenn) Bursey, Meredith (Shane) Nelson, and Leanne (Allie) Mertzman; ten great grandchildren, Hailey Bradstreet, Carter Bradstreet, Brookelynn Bursey, Jaxon Bursey, Madison Hendricks, Mason Hendricks, Hunter Nelson, Dylan Nelson, Ruth Mertzman, and Rosemary Mertzman; and a sister-in-law, Kay Florence of Holly Lake Ranch, TX. Jim was loved by his friends and family and will be dearly missed.