Jay Metzger

Jay attended Lafayette Central Catholic High School and graduated in 1976. He then earned a bachelor’s degree from DePauw University in 1980. While at DePauw, he played football and was a member of Delta Chi fraternity.

Jay married Christine Nichols on October 9, 1983 and was deeply devoted and loving to her and their beloved dogs over the years.

Jay had a long career in business. Early on, he owned a restaurant franchise in Crawfordsville, Indiana (Mr. Gatti’s) and most recently was the Senior Technical Sales Representative at Packaging Corporation of America where he was well respected and will be greatly missed.

Jay was a kind and generous man and a loyal friend. To know him was to love him. Not long ago, he organized a reunion of friends from DePauw University to reminisce about their shared work experiences at the Old Topper Tavern.

Jay was passionate about sports and followed his favorite teams: Central Catholic, DePauw, Notre Dame, and the Chicago Bears. Jay enjoyed music and had many good times attending Jimmy Buffett concerts.

Jay was a master of hospitality. He and Chris welcomed family and friends into their beautiful home in Florida. It was especially remarkable during the Christmas holidays when every room reflected the joy of the season. His Christmas villages delighted his nieces and nephews.

Jay is survived by his wife of 38 years, Chris and his two precious dogs Maggie and Henry; his siblings Cathy (Metzger) Muse Carmel, IN; Bob Metzger (Marilyn) Lafayette, IN and Pat (Metzger) Dowden (Bud) Wingate, IN: and was a favorite Uncle to several nieces and nephews; Andy Skodinski, Kelli Skodinski, Emily Muse, Mary (Muse) Shields, Matt Metzger, Brad Metzger, Andrew Dowden, Dwaine Dowden; and several great nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents George and Virginia Metzger, his niece Jennifer Dowden; and his beloved Jack Russell terrier, Lucy.

Calling will be on Wednesday, August 11th from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. for family, 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. for friends at Hardage-Giddens Chapel Hills Funeral Home, with the funeral service at 6:00 p.m., and a small reception immediately following the service.

To best honor Jay’s memory, (in lieu of flowers) donations can be made to one of the following: Gift of Hope Organ Donation, Central Catholic High School, DePauw University’s Tiger Club, or the Jacksonville Humane Society.