John Mersch, Jr. loving father to Sheri and John Michael Mersch passed away peacefully shortly after his 65th trip around the sun on January 23, 2022 in Charlotte, NC. He was surrounded by his loving family and devoted girlfriend Mary Ann Grima.

​

Born on September 25, 1956 in Sumter, SC, he was the son of the late John and Jean Mersch. After his father fulfilled his military service, his family moved to Michigan to remain close to the extended Mersch and Beaudoin families in Canada. Growing up in Michigan, John developed his lifelong passion for water sports and was an avid windsurfer and fisherman. When the water froze, ice hockey was his daily evening ritual with his family and friends.  After devoting close to 30 years to his career as a skilled machinist and operational manager, he retired from the automotive industry and moved to Miramar Beach, FL where he enjoyed an active life of paddle boarding, biking, and watching sunsets behind Pompano Joe’s with his pals.  He later relocated his home and his transport and logistics business to North Carolina. John enjoyed every minute of his life in the Blue Ridge mountains - hiking, paddling/tubing the New River, cruising the Blue Ridge Parkway, and forging cherished friendships throughout his community. He delighted in the role of being an active and beloved “Papa” to his grandchildren and spending quality time in nature’s bounty with his family, many friends and neighbors. 

​

John is survived by his loving girlfriend Mary Ann Grima of Davidson, NC; his son, John Mersch and wife, Jennifer of Howell, Mi; his daughter, Sheri Mersch and husband, John Wilson of Winston-Salem, NC; his five grandchildren, John, Eli, Lila, Ben and Laurel; his brother Dave Mersch and wife, Melissa of Novi, Mi; his brother, Dan Mersch and wife, Nadine of Howell, Mi; and many nieces, nephews, extended family and close friends.

​

A stranger to nobody and a true friend to all, John was an authentic soul and lover of life. He will be remembered for his sharp wit, sparkling smile, infectious laugh, and engaging blue eyes. It is impossible to encompass the essence of a man who leaves a shadow this large in such few sentences. The outpouring of concern and support from friends all over the country during this difficult time marks the impact he had on each of our lives. Never a man to sit idly, or shy away from helping a friend in need, his work hard/play hard life philosophy was an inspiration and gift to all who knew him.

​

Say not in grief, “He is no more” but live in thankfulness that he was.