James A. Gerick

James A. Gerick passed from his earthly life on February 3, 2026, in Austin, Texas, at the age of 99. He was born at home in Weinert, Texas, on August 5, 1926, to Adolph and Annie Rafaj Gerick. He was the firstborn. He spent his early years helping on the family farm and experiencing life in West Texas during the Great Depression—years that created many lasting memories.

After graduating from Weinert High School, he attended Texas Technological College (Texas Tech), where he participated in Air Force ROTC and was commissioned as a second lieutenant upon call-up. He received a degree in accounting. James often said the only reason he went to college in Lubbock was because, at that time, it was the only college in West Texas.

In 1948, the Gerick family moved to Bartlett, Texas. After graduating, James moved to nearby Taylor and worked as an auditor for William Cameron Lumber Company. There, he expanded his interest in family history and Czech genealogy.

In the early 1950s, James was called to active duty by the Air Force as a second lieutenant and was stationed in Enid, Oklahoma; Laredo, Texas; Japan and Italy. While in Italy, he met and married a civilian librarian, Virginia Marci of Connecticut. They were later sent to the Philippines, where James was flown to and from Hanoi as an auditor during the Vietnam conflict. His final assignment was in Alamogordo, New Mexico. There, they were blessed with a son, James Ray (JR).

Upon retirement, the family moved to Austin, where James worked for Bob Bullock and attended The University of Texas to obtain his CPA credentials. Continuing his lifelong interest in genealogy, he was a member of several Czech organizations, including the Czech Heritage Society of Texas, SPJST, TOCA, TCHCC, and the Texas Czech Genealogical Society.

James was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia; his parents; his brother, Edwin Gerick (Georgetown, Texas); his sister, Annette Maloy, and her husband, Hugh Maloy (Oviedo, Florida); his brother-in-law, Al Ludwig (New Braunfels, Texas); and his niece, Kristine Ludwig (Houston, Texas).

He is survived by his son, JR Gerick; granddaughter, Brittany Weaver (Bobby); two great-grandchildren; his brother, Milam Gerick (Mary Ann); his sister, Mary Lou Ludwig; his sister-in-law, Pat Gerick; and many nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held at Cook-Walden Funeral Home, located at 6100 North Lamar, Austin, TX 78752, on February 20, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. The funeral service will follow at the same location from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. The committal service will take place at Cook-Walden Capital Parks Cemetery, 14501 North Ih-35, Pflugerville, TX 78660, from 2:00 pm to 2:30 pm on the same day.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in his name to the charity of your choice.