James Metzger
In loving memory we say good-bye to James Metzger who went to be with the Lord May 8. He died peacefully at home with his family at his side after a long battle with radiation necrosis, the aftermath of his treatment for a brain tumor.
Jim was born October 30, 1940 in Butte, Neb., to John and Alyce Metzger who preceded him in death, as did his sister Marilyn.
He was educated in Nebraska and served in the United States Navy 1957-1961. He received his Contractors License and spent thirty years as a framing contractor in Southern California, building everything from seaside condominiums to college dormitories.
Jim was an avid outdoorsman. He loved riding motorcycles in the desert, and taught all of his four sons to ride and race. Jim will always be remembered for his zest of life, his famous laugh, and his fun spirit.
He is survived by his wife, Karen Metzger (Call) of Moses Lake; sons Gordon Metzger of Lake Tahoe, Bryan and Jill Metzger and children Alex, Morgan, Madison, Collin, Tori and Haileigh of Lake Elsinore, Calif., Eric and Sandra Metzger and children Anthony, Zoe, Maya and Catalina of Lake Elsinore, Calif. and step-son Courtney Conklin and Mary and children Chelsea, Elizabeth and Tish of Moses Lake; best buddy Lynn Valles of Lake Elsinore, Calif.; brothers and wives: Vern and Jean Metzger (Portland, Ore), Dale and Barbara Metzger and niece Jenny (Camden, N.C.), John and Joanne Metzger (Pinellas Park, Fla.), Jerry and Lynn Metzger (Fort Calhoun, Neb.) and brother-in-law, Richard Pedersen and nephew Steve (North Platte, Neb.).
Further survivors are his parents-in-law, Mark and Lucille Call (Quincy), sister-in-law, Gretchen Fitzgerald and husband Greg and children Jacob and Megan Steele (Soap Lake) and Sonja Akerman and husband Phil and daughter Miranda (Medford, Ore.) and brother-in-law, Mark Call (Quincy).
On May 13 a Memorial Service and Celebration of Life was held at the family home with the Reverend Mark Bassett officiating.
Kayser Chapel and Crematory was in charge of arrangements.