John "Jackie" Joseph Mercier, 70, of Salem, MA, passed away peacefully after a brief illness on October 22, 2020 at Care Dimensions Hospice in Danvers, MA.

Born on December 16, 1949 in Salem to Arthur J. and Mary E. (Hagerty) Mercier, Jackie was a lifelong resident of Salem's Gallows Hill. Jackie attended St. James Elementary School and Bishop Fenwick High School, Class of 1967, where he excelled athletically and became a three-sport captain in baseball, basketball and football. He was well known for his success in sports in Salem and Peabody, and continued to play football at Bridgton Academy in Maine. Jackie earned his bachelor's degree and master's degree in Elementary Education from Salem State College. He was an educator in the Danvers Public Schools for many years. After retiring from teaching, he also enjoyed his days working for the City of Salem's Public Works Dept. and Salem Country Club in Peabody.

Jackie's deep faith, sense of humor, sincerity and compassion pervaded all of his interactions with others. He will always be remembered for his contagious laugh and be cherished for the special spark he brought to the ones he loved.

He was the loving and proud father of his five children: Peter, John "Little Jackie" (who predeceased him in 1996), Christopher, Andrew, and Maura. Jackie also leaves his former wife Patricia Mercier, brother Arthur Mercier and wife Susan, sister Rosemary Pinksten and husband George, as well as many nephews and nieces.

Jackie's funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. James Church in Salem and interment will take place at St. Mary's Cemetery in Salem. Both services will be private due to current COVID-19 restrictions.

In lieu of flowers, please remember Jackie's legacy with prayer and donations may be made in his memory to the American Cancer Society. For more information or online guestbook please call 978-744-0497 or visit www.murphyfuneralhome.com.