Breckenridge Texan

By Carla McKeown/Breckenridge Texan

In honor of the work that Jim Merson has done every Memorial Day weekend for approximately the past 15 years – placing flags on the graves of U.S. Military veterans buried in the Breckenridge Cemetery – Copperleaf Properties recently presented him with its inaugural Hometown Heart Award.

As they celebrate the business’ 10th anniversary this year, Carolyn and Steffan Moore with Copperleaf created the Hometown Heart Award to recognize individuals who never ask for recognition.

“This year marks 10 years of Copperleaf Properties serving Breckenridge and Stephens County,” Carolyn Moore said to the small crowd gathered at R.E. Dye Manufacturing, where Merson works. “As we thought about how we wanted to celebrate our milestone, we knew we didn’t want the focus to be on us. We didn’t want to have some big party. We wanted to focus on someone that has done a lot for our community, slides under the radar, and just does it quietly.

Jim Merson, left, poses for pictures with the Hometown Heart Award presented to him by Copperleaf Properties. (Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan)

Moore went on to explain that the Copperleaf staff wanted to recognize someone whose quiet acts of service make the Breckenridge community a better place.  “So we created the Copperleaf Properties Hometown Heart Award,” she said. “This award is for someone who never asks for recognition, someone who simply shows up, serves others, gives of themselves, and makes a lasting difference.”

As they discussed who to present the first Hometown Heart Award, Moore said, one name came up repeatedly: Jim Merson.

“For years, Jim, you’ve faithfully led the effort to place American flags on the graves of nearly 900 veterans every Memorial Day,” Moore said. “That doesn’t just happen; it takes planning, leadership, countless volunteer hours, and a deep respect for the men and women who serve our country. Because of your dedication, generations of veterans have been remembered with honor.”

Moore also recognized the volunteers who help Merson each year at the cemetery.

“We know you would first be the first to say that many volunteers help make this happen less. … You’re absolutely right. We appreciate every person who gives their time each year. But every great effort needs someone to lead it, and you’ve done that with humility, with faithfulness, and without ever seeking recognition,” she said. “Jim, on behalf of everyone at Copperleaf Properties, it is our privilege to award you with this Hometown Heart Award. This $1,000 award is just a small token of our appreciation.

Jim Merson’s mom, Becky Downing, left, and his wife, Conniece Merson, right, were on hand for the presentation of the Hometown Heart Award, which he received last week. (Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan)

Merson, a retired U.S. Navy veteran, thanked those presenting the award. “I appreciate this. Thank you very much,” he said. “And, you’re right. It’s not me; it’s everybody else who shows up every year at the cemetery.”

Several of the volunteers who help Merson place the flags in the cemetery the Saturday before Memorial Day were at the presentation, including Karen Martin and Les and Sherry Strickland. Last year, Les Strickland, the Stephens County Veterans Service Officer and a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, joined Merson in an official capacity.

“What has become one of Breckenridge’s most meaningful Memorial Day traditions is made possible by many dedicated volunteers, including Les Strickland, who has played an important role in recent years. But it is Jim’s steady leadership, commitment, and servant’s heart that have helped preserve this tradition for our community,” Moore said in a written statement honoring Merson. “ … He doesn’t do it for recognition or praise. He does it because he believes those who served our country should never be forgotten. That kind of quiet, faithful service is exactly what this award was created to recognize.

“People like Jim don’t seek attention, yet they make an incredible difference,” Moore said. “We hope this award reminds all of us to notice and appreciate the quiet servants who make Breckenridge such a special place to call home.”

Jim Merson helps Cecilia Gonzales place flags on veterans’ graves in the Breckenridge Cemetery in 2022. Merson has been organizing the project for about 15 years and was recently awarded with the Hometown Heart Award by Copperleaf Properties. (Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan)

Cutline, top photo: Jim Merson, center, is surrounded by family, friends, co-workers and the Copperleaf Properties staff after he was presented with the Hometown Heart Award at R.E. Dye Manufacturing, where he works. Copperleaf created the award to celebrate the company’s 10th anniversary, as well as to recognize individuals in the community who make the community a better place and never ask for recognition. (Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan)