James Robert Mercer, 37, Chattanooga, Tennessee, died on May 16, 2016 at Erlanger Hospital.
He was born on April 27, 1979 in Knoxville, the third son of Sherry Mercer Estes and William H. Mercer, Jr.
James graduated from Powell High School in Powell, Tn., where he played football. He had the unique gift to make any room of people laugh with his never-ending humor. His story telling ability was definitely one of a kind! James had a big heart and loved to use his skills and talents to help others. He was a licensed electrician and had exceptional construction and mechanical skills.
James was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, William H. Mercer, paternal grandmother, Greta E. Mercer, and maternal grandfather, Granville William Herron.
In addition to his parents, James is survived by his step-mother, Anita Mercer, Powell; brothers - Billy (Sara Beth) Mercer, Nashville; Mike (Virginia) Mercer, Ooltewah; Chris Mercer, Powell; twin sister, Melanie (Tom) Hamby, Knoxville; maternal grandmother, Audrey Inocco, Foley, AL; uncles - Tom (Marilyn) Mercer, Leominster, MA; Mark (Cindy) Mercer, Palm City, FL; aunts - Patricia (Chris) Nunnink, Charlotte, VT; Donna Coyne, Lakeway, TX; Norma Owens, Knoxville; Sandy (Chris) Johnson, Tonasket, WA; Connie Herron, Nashville; Candy (Bo) Malinowski, Charlotte, NC. He is also survived by the following nieces and nephews - Flora Mercer, Nashville; Amy and Andrew Mercer, Ooltewah; Orion and Carissa Hamby, Powell; and many cousins and friends.
James, you left us too soon but we will always carry your memory, and especially your smile, in our hearts forever.
The family plans to have a private celebration of his life at a later date.