Surrounded by his family, James D. “Pops” Metting, Sr., 84, passed away July 29, 2015 in Yorktown. He is survived by his wife and best friend of more than five decades, Tonie.
James was born March 26, 1931, the only child of Erwin and Ella (Gerbert) Metting of Yorktown. His early years were spent learning the trade of homestead farming, and attending Metting School before graduating from Yorktown High in 1948.
In February 1952, he was drafted into the Marine Corps, serving in the Engineers Marine Corp Division, eventually serving as a sniper. After discharge, he returned to Yorktown to marry Tonie (Wiona Hahn). He worked as a carpenter contractor building many houses near Yorktown and Victoria while also raising hogs, sheep and cattle with his wife. He later developed seedstock Brahman cattle with genetic bloodlines of the JD Hudgins family from Hungerford. James loved studying and improving his cattle herd and enjoyed looking out on them until his last days.
James and Tonie spent their lives raising six children, and expanding their ranching operation.
He worked continually to improve the land, instilling in his children a belief that land was a resource to be treasured and passed along to future generations. James also treasured his relationships with friends.
In addition to his wife, James is survived by six children: James Jr, William David, Martha, Marie, Liz, and John, and two sons-in-law and two daughters-in-law. Also surviving are 18 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
James was preceded in death by his parents and a grandchild.
Visitation will be 5-8 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 2, at Finch Funeral Chapel. Funeral service will be 10 a.m., Monday, Aug. 3 at St. Paul Lutheran Church. Interment will be at St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church or Hospice of South Texas.
You are invited to sign the online guest book at www.finchfuneralchapels.com.
Arrangements entrusted to Finch Funeral Chapel – Yorktown, 361-564-2277.
Call 275-3464 to subscribe to News-View.
Rate this article:
