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.

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