James Metzler

James E. Metzler, 91, of Holland, Mich. (formerly Bay City, Mich.), passed away peacefully at his home on Nov. 21, 2016. He was born Aug. 23, 1925, to Merle and Julia Metzler in Bay City, Mich. Beloved husband of Bette Metzler for 68 years; loving father of Julie Baker, Steve (Shelly) Metzler and Michael (Sheryl) Metzler; cherished grandfather to Sean Baker, Jennifer (Matt) Cronin, Heather Garry, Kyle (Alicia) Kammerzell, Melissa Brooks, Mike Metzler II and Ryan (Amanda) Metzler; devoted great grandfather to Kenny and James Cronin, Ethan and Justin Garry, Myles and Wyatt Kammerzell, Justin and Mason Brooks, Wyatt and Emmitt Metzler; brother of Irene Pero, brother-in-law of Joy Cote, Mary (August) Overway and Janet Van Dyke. Preceded in death by brother-in-laws Ken Pero, Jack Cote and Bruce Van Dyke.

Jim graduated from Bay City Central High School in 1943 and joined the Merchant Marines. He then owned Lincoln Mercury and Chevrolet dealerships until he found his true passion of building homes. Many homes in Bay City today are a direct result of Metzler Development, including those in Mannion Farms (Saginaw), Sharon Park, Westgate, Northgate, Appletree Farms and Cortland Farms. He was a man of remarkable faith and active in his church communities. Jim was an avid hunter, fisherman and boater. Some of his happiest times were with family and friends aboard the JimBet, making trips to ports around Michigan and through the North Channel.