John William Metcalf Jr.

March 3, 1941 – June 15, 2026

With profound sadness and immeasurable love, the family of John William Metcalf Jr. announces his passing on June 15, 2026, at the age of 85. Born in Atlanta, Georgia, John spent many joyful years there before making San Antonio, Texas his home in 2005. He embraced Texas with enthusiasm, exploring its landscapes, history, and hidden stories with the curiosity that defined him.

John lived a life overflowing with love, kindness, and connection. He had a remarkable gift for making people feel seen, valued, and welcomed. His reach was wide — through friendships, adventures, passions, and the countless people he taught, encouraged, or simply made laugh. In the end, it was his beautiful heart — so full, so generous — that carried him through life and ultimately carried him home.

He is survived by his beloved wife and soulmate, Lisa, and their cherished cat-children: Mama Tabby, Cleo, Loki, Thor, Mama Siamese, and, of course, Lefty.

John leaves behind his four loving daughters Angelique Metcalf, Monique Tidwell (Coleman), Sharri Stone, and Nicole Metcalf.

He was a proud grandfather to Josh Hedpeth (Luz), Amelia, John Coleman Tidwell III, Cash Tidwell, Chloe Mazur, Jerney/Torren Mazur, Sierra Chumbres, Brad Lewis (Alison), Chase Clarke (Evelyn), and Landon Clarke (Alexis).

His legacy continues through his great-grandchildren Harvey, Oliver, Kimberly, Jameson, Elizabeth, Everhett, and Josephine.

John also embraced his “adopted family” who included Bonni & Kip Durden, their children Mason (Jenna), Anna, and Sawyer, and their grandchildren Gabe and Ellie.

Other family includes his sister, Judy Metcalf, and cousin Janice Awtry Thomas. He was preceded in death by his parents, William Metcalf and Annie Cash, and his grandson Nicholas Dean Metcalf.

John is also survived by Lisa’s family including his in-laws, Raymond & Shelby Morris, his sister-in-law Laura Winton (Scott), niece Brenna Edwards, nephew Chad Edwards, special family friends BC & Patty McConnell, with a host of extended family & friends.

Beyond family, John leaves behind a countless world of friends, colleagues, fellow adventurers, and kindred spirits who will miss his presence every single day.

John approached life with boundless curiosity and a joyful spirit. He was known for his stories, his perfectly timed jokes, and his ability to brighten any room he entered. Even as he became what he lovingly called a “professional patient,” replacing knees and shoulders and tackling spine issues, he remained a favorite among medical teams who adored his humor and warmth. As his family often said, if his heart failed him, it was only because he used it so fully — loving so deeply and so completely.

A lifelong learner and explorer, John’s passions and pursuits were as varied as they were impressive. His life adventures included service in the US Navy, 28 years with Delta Airlines, held a commercial pilots license, owner and instructor at Scuba John’s Dive Center, professional magician and co-owner of M&M Magic, and a licensed hypnotherapist.

In his spare time, he was a lifelong Harley-Davidson HOG Member/Officer, a bat preservationist, professional photographer, metal arts welder, locksmith, hot air balloon pilot, long time volunteer at the Majestic Theatre and the Tobin Theatre, and a dedicated volunteer for many organizations including the Humane Society of San Antonio.

He was a passionate supporter of the arts and loved to travel at every opportunity.

John lived boldly, loved fiercely, and gave generously. His life was a tapestry of curiosity, creativity, service, and joy — and the world is better because he was here.

He will be missed beyond measure and remembered forever.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Majestic Theatre in San Antonio, Texas, on June 30, 2026. Doors open at 4:00 PM CT, celebration begins at 5:00 PM CT. A live stream is planned and a link will be posted in an update to this post next week.

There could be no more fitting place to honor John than the Majestic — a historic, glittering sanctuary of art, laughter, and community that he loved with his whole heart. It is a place where he volunteered, served, told stories, made friends, and felt most alive.

We invite you to join us as John takes his final bow center stage, surrounded by the beauty, grandeur, and spirit of a theatre that meant so much to him. He asked that we celebrate his life, not mourn his passing, and that guests wear bright and cheerful colors to honor his memory.

UPDATE of Celebration of Life Link

Please join us for the live stream of John Metcalf's Celebration of Life.

4pm CT – Visitation and Celebration Slide Show

5pm CT – Celebration of Life Services

Microsoft Teams meeting

Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/317840539846603?p=s2KUBBnXv2GFVURote

Meeting ID: 317 840 539 846 603

Passcode: iX7F3qe3