James David Kercheville

Submitted by Cameron1 on

James David Kercheville, 88, of Canyon Lake died Sunday, June 3, 2018. 

Mr. Kercheville was born Sept. 22, 1929, in Eagle Pass, to Gus and Jimmy (Finch) Kercheville and grew up in Del Rio. 

After graduating high school he attended San Antonio Junior College. He then was drafted into the Korean War where he was based in Los Alamos, New Mexico.  After returning, he attended the University of Texas in Austin earning a chemical engineer degree. Then he married the love of his life, Jean Bradbury and they resided in the Houston area. They were the best of friends until her passing in 2002.

He worked at Baroid/Halliburton for 56 years where he invented 10 U.S. Patents.  He had a great work ethic and instilled that quality onto his family. After retiring, his focus turned to his family. He loved spending time with his two granddaughters, Kristi and Kourtney. They were the pride and joy in his life.  He loved going to the park and taking walks. At family gatherings he was always the center of attention, like dancing at Kristi’s wedding or at Kourtney’s graduation from Texas A&M, always a big smile on his face. He was so very proud of them, always standing tall and cheering them on from the sidelines. He loved taking weekend getaways with his family, watching the Houston Texas and Texas Longhorns play football, and loved a little sip of his red wine at nighttime. PaPa Kerch, known to so many, will always have a special place in our hearts.

He was preceded in death by his parents; by a sister, Mattye Gwen Wardlaw; and brothers, Gus Clyde and Jay Kercheville. 

He is survived by one son, Kevin David Kercheville; two granddaughters, Kristi Proctor and Kourtney Kercheville; one great-granddaughter, Kendall Proctor; sister-in-law, Ann Elliott; and a very special angel in his life, Joanne Kercheville. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be Thursday, June 7, from 4-8 p.m. at Marek-Burns-Laywell Funeral Home in Cameron. Private family services will be at a later date at Oak Hill Cemetery in Cameron.

We extend a special Thank You to Carriage Place Apts., Elan Wespointe, Eden Hill and Hope Hospice for your loving care and support.

Marek-Burns-Laywell Funeral Home of Cameron is in charge of arrangements.