An attitude of service is what the lives of Jack and Norma Metcalf appear to be all about.

Jack Metcalf retired a year ago as a congressman. After graduating from college he taught history and mathematics. In the summers he fished commercially. He loved both these careers dearly.

Then, in the late 1950s, back when Dwight D. Eisenhower was in the White House, Jack felt a strong urge to go into politics.

Since that time he has been widely known as “Gentleman Jack.” A firm supporter of family values, he has gained a reputation for his integrity and the ability to work with colleagues of all political philosophies and affiliations.

He’s also often been described as a “maverick” for his frequent independent stands, voting his conscience and not necessarily going along with his Republican Party. He never would go along just to get along.

The character of both Metcalfs is one of humility, says Matt Chambers, pastor of South Whidbey Assembly of God.

“I have never seen such a highly influential couple in a position of power remain so humble,” Chambers said. He recalls that when staying with the Metcalfs in Washington, D.C. he noticed they’d chosen a very modest apartment and furnishings, and drove an inexpensive used car.

Bev Bowman, the youngest of the Metcalfs’ four children, noted, “My parents never let power go to their heads. They’ve always had an attitude to serve. That’s just what they believe they’re here on earth to do.

“Dad never looked at his political life as an achievement, but as another chance to serve,” Bowman continued. “Without even realizing it, all four of us girls have modeled our own lives after our parents. All of us have remained active volunteers in our communities. We’ve re-created for our own kids what Mom and Dad gave to us: the responsibilities, the opportunities, the fun and family time.”

Jack Metcalf says they wanted to put their family first.

“Norma gets the credit for that,” he said. “Some people go out and save the world while their own children are running around the streets. One of our family commitments was Sunday evenings. After dinner we’d have popcorn and Norma’s homemade pie, play games and have discussions.”

Norma Metcalf says raising children is a stage that’s important to enjoy, since it won’t last forever.

“An older woman, Mrs. Hinshaw, once told me, ‘Norma, I’ve had different stages of my life, and I’ve enjoyed each one of them the most.’ I try to live my life that way, too,” Norma said.

“We’re really down home people,” she added. “We shied away from the political parties in Washington, D.C. No one could call us sophisticated. It’s all I can do to convince Jack to change from his gardening pants to clean ones before he goes off to a meeting.”

Jack says it’s not that they didn’t like the people in Washington.

“Most people in politics — 80 percent, I’d say — you would really like,” he said. “They’re honorable, quality people. Then again, unfortunately, there are some crooks, too.”

But the politicians Metcalf says he really admires are the local ones right here on Whidbey.

“I’m not tough enough for local politics, sitting there eyeball to eyeball, voting on issues in front of your neighbors and friends. That takes more courage,” he said.

Longtime South Whidbey resident Eva Mae Gabelein says both Jack and Norma show a love of country and a love for South Whidbey, and have given themselves to both.

“In the 60 years I’ve known them, they’ve always been down-to-earth, with stable values that are part of their daily lives,” Gabelein said.

Both natives of South Whidbey, the Metcalfs each speak about the importance of maintaining the rural atmosphere of the island.

“We enjoy the sea life, birds, land animals and forest,” Jack said.

“The old roads, barns and old fences add to the country life,” Norma said.

The world changes when they cross on the ferry to the mainland, and both Norma and Jack appreciate this side. They call themselves conservationists, believing in preserving the natural environment.

“It ought to be a balance for all animal life, nature and people — none to the exclusion of the others,” they said.

“This Southend is full of so many warm and friendly people,” Jack said. “Even when people don’t agree with my politics, they’re always kind. And the desire for public service here is very strong.”

Raymond Haman says that over the years he has sometimes disagreed with Jack on political issues.

“However, I always have admired his personal qualities of honor, integrity, courtesy and long list of public service,” Haman said. “And I admire the loyalty which he and Norma have for one another.”

Both Metcalfs have been important role models, Eva Mae Gabelein said. They have been volunteers for the Fair Association, Historical Society and other local groups.

“Both Jack and Norma are straightforward and honest,” she said. “Of course, I do remember how Jack would disguise his favorite ice cream in the freezer by wrapping it in locker paper and labeling it ‘liver.'”

Norma describes herself as a “realist.” Jack, on the other hand, thinks everyone he meets is just great, she said.

“He’s fortunate he’s never really been betrayed.”

Norma tells of a time she and Jack were walking to the White House, when a panhandler stopped them. The young man said he was in dire straits and needed bus money to go home.

“Jack normally isn’t given to handing out cash to panhandlers, but he pulled out his wallet and handed the man $73, all he had,” Norma said. “After the young man left, I said to Jack, ‘He’s just going to go out and buy cigarettes and alcohol.”

“Maybe…,” Jack said.

It was at a Langley High School Valentine’s dance that Jack Metcalf and Norma Grant first became interested in one another. Not only were their family values similar, they found they had morals in common.

For instance, both have avoided alcohol throughout their lives.

“It hasn’t really been a conscious decision, or a religious one either,” Jack said. He remembered that at age 20, he’d seen another man make a fool of himself on alcohol. He said he would never want to act that way and disgrace his family.

Norma says she and Jack envision similar ideas, as they did for the turreted log home they designed and built from their own trees.

“Norma was the architect, I was the builder, along with our family,” Jack said.

Norma describes another vision.

“I generally don’t tell people about this, but I was washing dishes and looking out the window above our kitchen sink,” she said. “I prayed, ‘Lord, how else may I serve you in this stage of life?’ And then like a movie, I began to envision both men and women, some of them pastors, walking down our path. I saw them coming into our home and then seating themselves around our living room.” Norma said she then saw herself chopping, cutting, baking and preparing foods to serve her guests.

A year later, from that vision, the Metcalfs opened their home for Christian retreats, and later also as a bed and breakfast inn.

“It seems to me their whole life is about being of service to others,” said Janet Piehler. “Even when it’s cost Jack an election he has stayed true to his values and beliefs, to what he thought was the best long-term choice for the people.

“They are such kind, humble, gracious people,” Piehler added. “I’ve never contributed one cent to his campaign, but he’s always had time to answer my family’s questions about government and history.”

In fact, Piehler says, her children cannot wait until they get to clean the church restrooms again with Jack. He told them fascinating historical stories and answered every one of their questions with enthusiasm.

When Jack speaks about this country and the forefathers who founded it, his voice slows and becomes softened. His tone is respectful as he says with conviction, “You know our founding fathers are the truest, greatest generation.”

Jack and Jean Wilcox say the Metcalfs have maintained a solid, respected reputation on Whidbey Island, in the state and in the entire country.

“They are the ‘salt of the earth’ in every area of their lives,” Jack Wilcox said. “There is never any pretense in these humble, hardworking people. In all their years there has never been a whiff of scandal or wrongdoing.”

The Wilcoxes added, “Jack has always told it like it is, which is far more helpful and beneficial than any political correctness to to make people feel good.”

When you add up a strong faith, good old-fashioned values, and an attitude of service, you get a couple who have helped make life better in the United States and here on South Whidbey.