James Mettler, born Nov. 30, 1961, died Friday, Sept. 28, 2018.

Jim was an extraordinary man: an avid learner of everything, and a member of the Palomar Observatory docents, Mountain Disaster Preparedness, Mile High Radio Club and Pinzgauer truck group.

He was active with outreach programs using astronomy through California schools and Positive Adventures.

Jim loved a good joke (or a bad one).

He was a real life “MacGyver” as well as an inventor. Jim holds a patent on a High Frequency Multiphase Flyback Power System (battery recovery system). His last invention was an IV tubing holder he designed while in the hospital.

He leaves behind his wife Colleen; son Ben; parents Jerry and Patricia Mettler; siblings Ken, Lisa (Jim), Chuck (Tina); 10 nieces and nephews; and other family.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to International Dark-Sky Association at darksky.org.

A celebration of life is to be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 10, at Camp Emerson (owner Boseker Scout Reservation), 53155 Idyllbrook Dr., Idyllwild.

Similar Posts

  • Obituary: Elizabeth Reinhartsen

    By Reading Time: 1 minute

    Elizabeth “Bette” Reinhartsen, 84, of San Jacinto, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2008. Bette was a newswoman for 30 years in Orange County on the staff of the Anaheim Bulletin and the Orange County Register. She was with the first media contingent invited to the Western White House by President and Mrs. Nixon, and was…

  • Obituary: Mary Lowman

    By Reading Time: 3 minutes

    Mary Lowman, 87, of Las Vegas, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2009, after a long fight with cancer. She was surrounded by her loving family. Mary was a vibrant community contributor. In 2005 she was honored in the Las Vegas Art Museum show, “100 Years of Influence: Women Who Shaped Las Vegas.” She was vice…

  • Obituary: LeLand Swanson

    By Reading Time: 2 minutes

    Leland M. Swanson, 82, of Hemet, died Thursday, Dec. 11, 2003, in Hemet. He was born the fourth of seven children to Rueben and Bernice Swanson on April 12, 1921, in Walla Walla, Wash. He graduated from WaHi in 1939. Mr. Swanson worked for the Walla Walla Union Bulletin as a paper carrier in his…

  • Obituary: Gerald L. Burke

    By Reading Time: 1 minute

    Gerald LaMotte Burke, 85, of Idyllwild, died of a heart attack Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2003 at Desert Regional Medical Center. He was born Feb. 5, 1918, in Trenton, Mo. Mr. Burke was a retired machinist with 17 years employment at Consolidated Products Inc. of Idyllwild. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II…

  • Life Tribute: Michael Kellner 1951-2019

    By Reading Time: 2 minutes

    Michael Wallace Stephen Kellner was born September 11, 1951 in Los Angeles, the youngest of five children born to Norine Kellner. His father, Isador Kellner, died before Michael was born. He moved to Idyllwild in 1954, attending Idyllwild Elementary and Hemet High schools. He graduated from Hemet High in 1969. He was with Kathy Gorzny…

  • Obituary: Gerald C. Walraven

    By Reading Time: 1 minute

    Gerald C. Walraven, a dominoe player and well-loved friend of Idyllwild residents, died Saturday, Aug. 22, 1998, of a heart attack in Rock Haven, Pa. Mr. Walraven, 71, was a resident of Pine Cove and Hemet. He was born Feb. 14, 1927, in Ireton, Iowa, and moved to California in 1957. He served in the…