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 first born, He spent his early years helping on the family farm and experiencing how life was in West Texas during the Great Depression. There were many lasting memories.

After graduation from Weinert High School, he attended Texas Technical College (Texas Tech) and was in Air Force ROTC commissioned as a 2nd Lt. upon call up. He received a degree in accounting. James always said the only reason he went to college was because at that time there was no other college in West Texas.

Meanwhile, in 1948 the Gerick family moved to Bartlett, Texas. After graduating James moved to nearby Taylor and worked as an auditor for William Cmeron Lumber Co. There he extended his interest in family history and Czech genealogy.

In the early 50’s James was called up by the Air Force as a 2nd Lt. and was stationed in Enid, Oklahoma, Laredo, Texas, and Italy. There he met and married a civilian librarian, Virginia Marci from Connecticut. They were sent to the Philippines, where James was flown to and from Hanoi as an auditor during the Vietnam conflict. The final assignment was to 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 UT to get his CPA credentials. Continuing his interest in genealogy, he belonged to Czech organizations such as: Czech Heritage Society of Texas, SPJST, TOCA, TCHCC, Texas Czech Genealogical Society.

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

He is survived by son JR Gerick, granddaughter Brittany Weaver (Bobby), 2 great-grandchildren, brother Milam Gerick (Mary Ann), sister Mary Lou Ludwig, 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.