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BORN
1930
DIED
2014
James Metz Obituary
James I. Metz, 83, a writer and Oshkosh historian, died Monday, September 8, 2014, at Mercy Medical Center.
Metz was born in Oshkosh on Nov. 30, 1930, the middle of three sons of Rudolph L. Metz and Gwendolyn Hansen Metz, and graduated from Sacred Heart Seminary, Oneida, WI, and attended St. Paul Seminary, St. Paul, MN.
For about 46 years Metz was a writer for the Oshkosh Northwestern, as a reporter, then as city editor and spending the last 20 years until 1995 as editorial page editor. As such, he twice (1987 and 1993) was given William Allen White Editorial Excellence Awards.
Metz was also active for more than 20 years in area soccer programs. As soccer instructor and assessor registered by the United States Soccer Federation, he helped teach more than 2,000 boys, girls, men, and women to become and to advance as soccer referees.
As a writer and historian, Metz authored several book about early Oshkosh and Winnebago County: "Prairie, Pines and People", "Oshkosh Aflame", "When Oshkosh went to War", and "Baby Doe's Legend Begins". He wrote the script for the official 2003 Oshkosh Sesquicentennial video "Foundations to Remember". Metz also founded the Oshkosh Memorabilia Club.
On Aug. 31, 1963, Metz married Violet Zernzach who survives. They had four children- Edward, Emmitsburg, MD; Andrea, Midlothian, VA; Paul, Reedsburg; and Richard, Oshkosh-and they also survive. Also surviving are his two brothers, Thomas and Ronald; and 14 grandchildren.
Funeral services for Metz will be held Saturday, Sept. 13, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at Most Blessed Sacrament-St. Mary Church, Rev. James Jugenheimer officiating. Visitation will be held Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until the service. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery with military honors. A memorial is being established to the Oshkosh Youth Soccer Club (OYSC) for the Jim Metz Referee Scholarship, P O Box 2621, Oshkosh WI 54903.
Jim's family wishes to thank the staff at Affinity FMC Dialysis for all their help and care.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Metz
Paul Metz
October 3, 2014
I miss you every day Pops. I wish you could have seen me getting promoted. You were the first one I thought of.
John, Jayne,Hugh,Teresa Mckillion
September 12, 2014
We wish to add our condolances and deepest sympathy to all the Metz family on this sad occasion, god bless them and may James he rest in pease.
September 12, 2014
Jim,
You have been a great example of strength and humilty to those of us who felt close to you. God Bless!!!
Jim Patterson
Richard and Susan Peterik Miller
September 11, 2014
Vi and family, it has been a long time since have seen you and Jim but remember the good times and today send our sincere sympathy.
September 11, 2014
My deepest condolances to the Metz family. Andrea and Ed you are both in my prayers as well as your entire family.
Mari Bayens( Johnson) class of 83 Lourdes
Gary Luther
September 11, 2014
Jim and I met in 1958 on a picnic with several other seminarians from Oshkosh, who were about to begin studying at Sacred Heart Seminary in Oneida, WI. We all looked up to Jim, who was to begin his sixth year at Sacred Heart. Jim was considered the most talented writer and debater at the seminary. He was admired not only for his mentoring skills but was also used by the faculty to be the "go to" seminarian for our many academic events.
I kept in touch with jim for a number of years while he was at the Northwestern and am sad to hear of his departure.
My sincerest condolences go out to Jim's family as do my prayers on the passing of this fine gentleman and scholar!
Donald Murphy
September 11, 2014
I want to add my sincere condolences to Jim's family. The death of a loved one brings a sorrow to the remaining family members that is deep and abiding.
Mike Jaworski
September 10, 2014
Jim was a great mentor, role model, and a man of great integrity. He devoted his heart, soul, and sweat to the Soccer Referees of Oshkosh. His teaching went beyond the mere Laws of the Game; he taught us looking and behaving like professionals and showing respect to the game was the key to success.
Whenever Jim spoke to us, whether it was one on one or if there were 30 of us in the Ref Tent on Soccer Saturday, everyone stopped and listened to his every word.
Jim would come out to watch our games and give us written notes and suggestions to improve our performance. Because there were so many games going on each night, most of us would only get to see Jim once or twice a season. I always thought it was kind of a coincidence that he was always present at the field where we needed him the most that night, but now I know there was more to it than that.
Jim was always present, at every field, on every night, through all he had taught us. He always had our backs and we were never alone. I know he will be with me at every one of my future games and if I listen hard enough I will probably hear him telling me to pull up my socks and keep up with the play.
Glenn Gaines
September 10, 2014
I never met Mr Metz, however, I know of and work with his son, Ed. Ed is a professiona, loving father and gentleman. I am sure these qualities were born out of the influnce his Dad had on him.
Cindy Pischke
September 10, 2014
My sincere condolences to your family. I remember reading James' editorieals in the newspaper. He leaves a legacy in his authored works.
Ruth Percey
September 10, 2014
I have fond memories of working with Jim at the Northwestern, and it's been an honor to serve as his VP for the Oshkosh Memorabilia Club for the past 12+ years. I'm going to miss him.
Tony Palmeri
September 10, 2014
Jim visited my classes a few times at UW Oshkosh in the 1990s to talk about free speech and First Amendment issues. I was super impressed with his knowledge and the way he encouraged students to be responsible citizens. My condolences to his family.
Kelly Hogan
September 10, 2014
What a great man has passed. I was just thinking about him the last few months!! He always called me "Murphy" for my irish heritage when I was just a teen~ Great historian, editor and columnist plus GREAT sense of humor! He will trully be missed!! Kelly J Hogan-Roth "alias: Murphy"
Pam Grace
September 10, 2014
My prayers go out to the family. Jim was an inspiration to many. I spent hours talking to Jim about the history of Oshkosh, and I have very fond memories of the man. You Will be missed - you were and are an important part of the history of Oshkosh. Be sure and say hello to Baby Doe whom you have forever linked to Oshkosh.
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