An account by Peter Magyar, LF, R8 LM Coordinator
James (left) gets his second IEEE Life member pin from Tom Coughlin, IEEE President
My acquaintance with James Mercier, PE, spans over 15 years, beginning at a three-day Workshop during the IEEE Industry Applications Society (IAS) Annual Meeting. At that time, I was leading the IEEE IAS’s Chapters and Membership Development (CMD) department. The event drew 220 Chapter members from across the globe, and James, as the Chair of the Central Texas Section Joint PES/PELS/IES/IAS Chapter, was a standout figure.
His popularity was due not only to his extensive experience as a Professional Engineer in Texas and Ohio or his Texas Licensed Master Electrician status but also his approachable nature and distinctive mustache.
While at the Life Member Conference in Austin, I ran into James at the Central Texas Section booth. It was great to see him again. He said, “After retirement, I will concentrate on serving the IEEE.” He was proud of his Life Senior Member status but commented that he could not wear his Life Member pin since he had never received it.
I introduced him to Tom Coughlin, Life Fellow and 2024 IEEE President, at the event. James jokingly complained that he didn’t get his Life Senior pin. Tom grasped the joke and gave him a second Life Member pin, symbolizing his Senior status within the IEEE. I am sure the two pins and Presidential congratulations for his achievements will be long remembered.
