He was born Tuesday, November 8, 1932 to Frank and Viola Gerhart in Klein, Texas. He grew up in Klein, Texas with his parents and six siblings, Josephine Heggie, Frank Gerhart Jr, Delbert Gerhart, Georgia Mae Kanewske, Billy Gerhart Sr and Rueben Gerhart. Jimmie was baptized and confirmed October 16, 1949 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Klein, Texas. Jimmie graduated from Klein High School May 12, 1952. He then married Lyndia Mae Hildebrandt on August 23, 1957 at Saint Matthews Lutheran Church, Westfield, Texas. Longtime friend David Evans was his best man and Lyndia's sister, Ani Lourie Cade was the Matron of Honor and H.F. Meyer was the pastor. Jimmie and Lyndia raised four sons, Jim Junior, John, Julius and Joel.
Jimmie was known for his entrepreneurial spirit. He owned a Shipley's donuts in Tomball, Texas, a dairy in Klein, Texas, drove a road truck, was a railroad switchman at the Port of Houston and later became an engineer with PTRA from where he eventually retired. In retirement, Jimmie created a used clothing program for the needy, when asked, Jimmie would always state, with a gleam in his eye, that this program which benefited dozens of needy families was doing God's work.
For the holidays, Jimmie made blackberry wine for friends and family members. Jimmie loved to square dance with the love of his life and wife, Lyndia. He especially loved to go on adventures. Whether is was driving across the United States, hunting, fishing, fulfilling on a lifetime dream of owning a race horse, flying to Mexico with his son Julius, and countless adventures he had with his grandchildren (feel free to ask any of the grandchildren and they'll be happy to share their stories of the fun times they had with their beloved grandfather).
In his later years he lived on Lake Conroe with his son John and enjoyed sitting out on the dock and watching his greatgrandchildren play in the water. He also enjoyed some boating and fishing with others. He still enjoyed visiting family and friends and going on rides in the slingshot with his son John.
Jimmie is preceded in death by his spouse of 59 years, Lyndia Gerhart, parents Frank and Viola Gerhart, siblings Josephine Heggie, Frank Gerhart Jr, Delbert Gerhart and Georgia Kanewske, sons Jimmie Junior and Joel Gerhart.
He is survived by his sons John and Julius Gerhart, grandchildren Alicia Gerhart-Benz, Jason Gerhart, Brandon Gerhart, Amber Black and great grandchildren Peri, Shawn, Josie, Sadie, Wyatt, Braxton, Trinity, Scarlett, Aubrey, Audrey, Carson, Ariella, Rylie, Asher and Liam.
Donations can be made to the home - bound ministries of Trinity Lutheran Church, Spring, Texas.
Jimmie Senior is being laid to rest next to his beloved wife Lyndia Gerhart and son, Joel Gerhart at Earthman Resthaven Cemetery, Houston, Texas.
