Jacob Alexander Metzger

JACOB ALEXANDER METZGER

Iowa City

Jacob Alexander Metzger, 20, died in the early hours of the morning on Friday, Sept. 21, 2018, when the Cessna 150 he and his father, Michael Metzger, were flying crashed while trying to land in Festus, Mo.

Jacob was born on June 20, 1998, in Seattle, Wash. From an early age, two things were clear: he loved his friends and family and he was going to be a pilot. He always knew how to light up a room and could tell when you needed a hug or a shoulder to cry on. He was always a hardworking kid, whether it was with Maxwell Construction, Texas Roadhouse or at home fixing his trucks. Jake and his dad would spend entire days with each other, repairing and refurbishing cars, boats and planes. He always said he was learning to become a pilot, just like his dad. Jacob had been preparing for flight school. The day before the accident, Jacob had piloted the plane himself for two hours and said that it was the best two hours of his life. Thus it can only be said that Jacob died doing what he loved.

He leaves behind a mother, Jane Taylor; and three siblings, Aly, JC and Shane Metzger.

A gathering for family and friends to celebrate Jacob's life will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 25, at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service in Iowa City. Per his expressed wishes, his remains will be buried with his father's near Buffalo, N.Y. To share a thought, memory or condolence, please visit the funeral home website at www.gayandciha.com.

Jacob was posthumously granted admission to the American Airlines Cadet Academy. He has finally earned his wings.