James Fred Metzger

James Fred Metzger of Hastings, Michigan passed away unexpectedly at his home on May 22nd 2025. Jim was born in Owosso, Michigan on April 7th 1949 to Daisy(Gilliland) and Paul Metzger. He graduated from Owosso High School in 1967. Jim graduated with a bachelor's degree from Central Michigan University in May of 1971 and later went on to earn a double master's from Western Michigan University. Jim married the love of his life, Janet Marie Pouillon, on May 22nd 1971. They shared 54 wonderful years together. Jim and Jan moved to Hastings in 1972 where he taught high school math for 35 years. Jim loved teaching and was greatly respected and adored by his colleagues, students, and community. He was known for his falling theory that many former students still talk about to this day. He was an active participant in many different committees and contract negotiations. He also started the Speaker's Club and gave 3 graduation speeches over the course of his career. He was a devout catholic and a member of St. Rose church. He ushered at mass, was a greeter, and took collections. He would on occasion make donuts for Sunday mass and worked bingo. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and a past grand knight.
Jim loved his family and was blessed with two children, Derek James and Kathryn Lacy. He was an active and attentive father who never shied away from showing his love and affection. He never missed an event or activity and was always willing to lend a hand or advice and provide support whenever needed. He loved taking Derek and Katie camping and fishing. Jim and Derek spent many days together at Tiger stadium and enjoyed watching the Red Wings. He never missed an opportunity to make music with Katie or discuss their favorite bluegrass bands or the books they were reading.
Jim enjoyed a plethora of hobbies over his lifetime. He learned to play the banjo as a young man and enjoyed "making music" up until the week of his passing. He was a member of serveral bands including The Thornapple River Boys and Basement Bluegrass. He was also a motorcycle enthusiast. Learning to ride in his youth, it afforded him many years of travel on the open road. He went on lots of solo rides but especially loved riding with friends. He was a member of the Iron Butt Association having ridden the Saddlesore 1000 in which he rode 1,000 miles in 24 hours. His crowning achievement was riding through all 48 continental states and touching all 4 corners. Jim and Jan were also great traveling companions. They would hunt lighthouses on the motorcycle, take historical trips out east, visit national parks, traveled all over Michigan and many other states for Jan's genealogy research, and several trips to Jan's beloved Ireland. He also enjoyed working with wood, eventually teaching himself how to make banjos. He hunted and fished in his younger years,went to gas and steam engine shows with his father, umpired high school baseball, and liked to play games such as bridge, checkers, backgammon and chess. Jim was also an avid reader, often reading several books at a time.
Over the last thirteen years, Jim's most treasured time was spent with his grandkids, Ethan James and Stella Marie. He spent much of his time with them babysitting, traveling, supporting them in their activities, talking math with Ethan and drawing with Stella. Jim was adamant about never going to Walt Disney World until Ethan and Stella convinced him to go two years in a row. They were two of his favorite trips ever and he had the best time riding the roller coasters with them. He showered them with endless love and support.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Daisy and Paul Metzger, in-laws George and Kathryn(Rourke) Martineau, sister in laws Jeanne Metzger and Karla Metzger, Brothers in law Thomas Pouillon, and James Pouillon, and nephew Jon Isenhower. Jim is survived by his wife of 54 years, Janet(Pouillon) Metzger, son Derek Metzger, daughter Kathryn(Metzger) Yun, grandson Ethan Yun, granddaughter Stella Yun, brother Paul Metzger, sister and brother in law Patty and Ernie Isenhower, sister in law Judy Holt, sister in law Sandy Lake, brother in law Donald Pouillon along with many nieces and nephews that thought the world of him.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Rose of Lima Parish 707 South Jefferson Street, Hastings, MI 49058 or the Hastings Education Enrichment Foundation, 232 W Grand Street, Hastings, MI 49058.
Visitation will be held on Friday, June 6, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Girrbach Funeral Home, located at 328 S Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058.
The Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at 11:00 AM. at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 805 S Jefferson St, Hastings, MI 49058. Father Jeff Hanley will officiate.
A luncheon will follow the service, with interment to take place afterward at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Hastings, Michigan.
To leave online condolances visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net