Jack D Metz

Jack D. Metz

September 10, 1931 - January 31, 2024

Jack D. Metz passed away on Wednesday January 31, 2024, in his daughter's arms, surrounded by her family in Raritan,

N.J.

Hurricane Ian forced him to relocate from his much-loved Ft. Myers Beach residence in October 2022, where he was an

active fisherman, birdwatcher, he was also fascinated with the moon, the stars, and sunsets on the beach.

Jack was born in Brazil, Indiana to Lester ("Shorty") and Helen Metz on September 10, 1931. A graduate of Brazil High

School, he attended Indiana State University where he received a bachelor's and master's degree and a master's+30

degree in Music Education. He was also president of the Theta Chi Fraternity and served as a Sergeant First Class in the

U.S. Army during the Korean War.

On March 14, 1953, he married Donna Rose Noakes of Terre Haute, Indiana. He and his sweetheart celebrated 67 years

together until her passing on Feb. 4, 2019. They had two children, Mark Metz of Wisconsin Rapids, WI, and Teresa

Westerhaug of Bridgewater, NJ.

He loved to recount stories of his humble beginnings as a newspaper boy along with his adventures fishing offshore 50

miles into the Gulf of Mexico, the Back Bay, and the glorious lakes in Canada. He was a past president of Yachtsman's

Cove Homeowners Association, he relished talking with his neighbors and having a Manhattan (or two) with them. Jack

truly loved nature, he was very content watching his cardinals, and singing with the doves. He was also very proud of

being instrumental in the installation of the first Osprey platform by his home on Ft. Myers Beach.

During his impressive career, he engendered a passion for music in all his students. He taught music at Indiana State

University followed by stints at high schools in Wisconsin, New York and finally at the award-winning Lakeview High

School band and orchestra in St. Clair Shores, Mich. from 1955 - 1971. "Mr. Metz" as he was known throughout his

teaching career. The Jack D. Metz music building was named in his honor there. Many of his students became renowned

recording artists, and professional musicians, and members of orchestras across the United States.

He loved telling stories about his band students, with whom he had relationships over many years. He also was very

proud of teaching music in the summers at the internationally renowned Interlochen Center for the Arts in Michigan,

where he conducted composer Aaron Copland's "An Outdoor Overture" outdoors for Copland while he was visiting the

center. Copland was fascinated as it was his first time hearing his composition played in the outdoors.

Metz later traveled the world as Vice President of Hal Leonard Music Publishing Company and Sight and Sound. He also

owned Baldwin Music Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He changed careers into the Graphic Arts industry selling Komori

printing presses, the top performer in the USA. He retired in 1993 shortly after moving to Ft. Myers Beach, FL in 1992.

He was an avid golfer as a member of North Hills Country Club in Menominee Falls, WI, and then at Cypress Lake Country

Club in Ft. Myers, FL. He boasted about his score being lower than his age well into his late 80's. Jack had a jazz group

that played at the Club on the 1sf Friday of the month for many years, it was a very popular event! He also had a knack

for imitating the Disney character known as Donald Duck, a humorous voice he employed to entertain students, and

many others over the years.

He was pre-deceased by his parents and his two brothers: Ronald Metz and Richard Metz. He is survived by his loving

children, Mark Metz (Ramona); daughter Teresa Westerhaug (Terry); and two wonderful granddaughters, Annaleah

Westerhaug and Rachel Metz, cherished nieces and nephews, and many beloved friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his honor to the: "JACK METZ OSPREY MEMORIAL FUND" at

https://www.ospreys.com/metz