Harold Metz

Rockford—Harold “Jim” Metz, 82, of Rockford passed away Wed., July 6, 2011, at Swedish American Hospital. He was born May 26, 1929, in Naylor, Missouri to William and Jewel (McCord) Metz. On June 22, 1947, he married Betty Moutrie in Naylor. Shortly after they married they relocated to Rockford. He was the President and owner of Metz Tool & Die for 50 years, and a member of the Tool & Die and Machining Association. He was a Deacon, Sunday school teacher, Youth counselor, and Chairman of the Building Committee for Forest City Baptist. He was a board member of Grace Chaplain Ministries. He was a current member of First Evangelical Free Church and Berean class. He was an antiques dealer and collector, a gardener, and a St. Louis Cardinals fan. He was an avid fisherman who taught all generations of his family the joys of fishing. He was a loving husband and father, and took great pride in his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Betty; his children, Debby (Arlyn) Van Dyke and Don (Kristie) Metz; his grandchildren, Todd (Jennifer De May) Van Dyke, Dr. Jennifer Metz, and Lisa (Rob) Mawyer; his great-grandchildren, Ellen and Mazie Mawyer, and James, Will, and Libby Van Dyke; his brother-in-law, Dayle McMullen; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandson, Matthew Metz; his sisters, Fern Smith and Ruth Ann McMullen; and his brothers, Fred and Robert Metz. A memorial service will be held at 11am on Saturday, July 9, at First Evangelical Free Church, 2223 N. Mulford Rd., Rockford. There will be a visitation from 10am until the time of service. Interment at Sunset Memorial Gardens will be private. Memorials may be made to Carpenter’s Place or the Heartbeat Youth Program at First Evangelical Free Church. Online condolences may be made at www.sunsetfhmemgardens.com.