James R. Metcalf

James Raymond Metcalf, 88, of New Philadelphia, died Monday, February 19, 2018 while in the care of Community Hospice’s Truman House following a period of declining health.

James was born at Savanah, New York on November 20, 1929 to the late Raymond and Freda (McKnight) Metcalf.

James attended New Philadelphia High School and entered into the United States Army where he was stationed in Germany as an athletics instructor.

James was a welder at Gradall and the former Joy Manufacturing Company at New Philadelphia. Through the years, he held memberships with Loyal Order of the Moose, the American Legion, the American Association of Retired Persons and was a lifelong member of the New Philadelphia VFW Carl C. Stoller Post 1445. James was proud to have played on New Philadelphia High School’s 1950 undefeated football team. He was an avid sports fan, enjoyed camping, fishing, wintering in Florida and being around his family.

He is survived by his lifelong companion, Joan Metcalf; their children, Scherry (Michael) Yapko of Canton, Janice (James) Turnbaugh of Melbourne, Florida and Susan M. Metcalf of Dover, James T. (Paula) Metcalf of Port Washington and Terry R. (companion, Kandy Bichsel) Metcalf of Stone Creek; 15 grandchildren and numerous great and great-great-grandchildren. Completing the family are his brothers, Ted (Delores) Metcalf and Buster (Roberta) Metcalf, all of New Philadelphia as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, James is preceded in death by his step-father, Nick DeNicola; a sister, Sandra Creamer; a brother, Jack Metcalf and a granddaughter.

The family will greet guests on Friday, February 23, 2018 from 12:30 – 1:30 PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia where a service led by Fr. Jeff Coning will begin in the funeral home’s chapel at 1:30 PM. Burial, with military honors will follow in Calvary Cemetery at New Philadelphia. A meal and fellowship will follow in the Dover Moose Lodge from 3-5 PM. A covered dish is welcomed.

Memorial contributions in James’ name may be directed to Community Hospice, 716 Commercial Avenue SW, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663 or to any Alzheimer’s or dementia related organization.