James C Metzer

James C Metzer, 85, of Mountain Home, Idaho passed away Tuesday, May 27, 2025. James was born January 27, 1940 in Brainerd, MN to Noel and Arline (Cofield) Metzer. James (Jim) had 3 brothers (Ronald, Douglas, & Richard) and a sister (Janet).

Growing up in Garrison, MN, he worked in the rice paddies and sold fish as a teen. After graduating from Brainerd High School, he moved to Seattle, WA in 1958 and worked at Boeing for a year and a half. He and his brother Ronald joined the United States Air Force in 1960. They went through basic training & communication school and their first deployment to Japan.

While stationed at Francis E Warren AFB in Cheyenne, WY, he met his future wife Carmen (Laisy) on a blind date at the Mayflower. They have been married for 59 years. He was stationed or deployed to many countries during his service. While stationed in Germany, Jim & Carmen welcomed their oldest daughter Kimberly in May of 1968. After returning to the United States, the family was stationed at Grissom AFB, IN. They welcomed their 2nd daughter Kirstie (Matthews) in May of 1972. After returning from the Vietnam War, they moved to Mountain Home AFB, ID. He retired from the Air Force after 22 years of service as a MSGT. After retiring, he worked for MWR on base before retiring again. After building their home, he went to work for Troy Wilkins at T&V Marina as a mechanic.

James was a member of many Veteran organizations (American Legion, 40&8, DAV, VFW, Elks) throughout his life. He was active in the American Legion Post 26 for 50 years and was a part of the Honor Guard for many years. One of his major contributions was establishing bingo at the hall to help support the Baseball program. He was a Post and District Commander and was selected as Legionnaire of the year for 1991-1992. In 2009, Senator Mike Crapo awarded him the Spirit of Freedom Award for his volunteer service to Idaho’s veterans and contributions to his community. He was also active in 40&8 and held the following positions: Chef de Gare of Voiture 336, Grand Correspondent du Idaho, and a Nationale Officer.

Jim was an avid fisherman and was a member of the Mountain Home Hawghunters bass fishing club. He enjoyed fishing in tournaments and teaching others about fishing. He was proud to have won big fish in a tournament with his son-in-law Jim. He also enjoyed hunting duck, deer, and elk. He continued his community service work at the Grace Lutheran Food Bank.

He is survived by his wife Carmen, daughters Kim Metzer and Kirstie Matthews (Jim), his brothers Ronald, Douglas, and Richard Metzer.

A memorial service will be held at Rost Funeral Home in Mountain Home on May 31, 2025 at 11 am. A luncheon will follow at American Legion Post 26 war memorial hall at noon. He will be interned at the Idaho State Veteran’s Cemetery on June 10th, 2025 at 10 am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to American Legion Post 26 Honor Guard, P.O. Box 126, Mtn. Home, ID 83647.