James Henry Mercer II

James Henry Mercer II, was born in Shreveport, Louisiana, December 31, 1951, the son of William Hamilton Hodges and Gwendolyn Garrett Mercer, Jim died in Shreveport, January 23, 2026, following a brief illness. Jim was raised on Waterloo Plantation in Taylortown, Bossier Parish, graduated from Jesuit High School and Louisiana State University. After serving as a Vista Volunteer (the domestic Peace Corps), he moved back to Taylortown and worked for his father at Elm Grove and Waterloo Plantations. He moved into the overseer’s cottage on Waterloo and began remodeling the 1840’s structure. Thus began his lifelong passion for design and building.

Seeking big city light, he moved to San Francisco in 1976, establishing a career in accounting. Following his dreams, he also became a building contractor. Jim joined Trinity Episcopal Church and was active in programs that helped the less fortunate. In 1984 he began spending about half his time back at Taylortown. Among other endeavors, he remodeled the old plantation store, now The Taylortown Reception Hall, a successful event venue where many happy times have been and will continue to be enjoyed.

Jim had a great interest in art, especially painting and took particular joy in collecting, antiques, entertaining, cooking, gardening and travel.

Jim is survived by his brother, William Hodges Mercer, Jr., and his wife Paula; his niece, Valerie Mercer Selman, and her children Riley and Daxton Selman and cousins, Virginia Millener Paul and James Fraceton Floyd Jr. He was preceded in death by his nephew, John Scott Mercer.

It was Jim’s wish to be cremated. Visitation will begin at 1:30 p.m., Friday, February 6, 2026 followed by his memorial service at 2:00 p.m. Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 1815 Marshall Street. The Reverend Mary B. Richard officiating. His ashes will be buried later in the Mt. Zion Cemetery in Bossier Parish.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials may be made to Holy Cross Church Hope House, P. O. Box 1627, Shreveport LA 71165 or the charity of your choice.