James Martin Fessler

April 24, 1943 - July 20, 2020

On July 20, 2020, Jim Fessler, beloved father of two and grandfather of four, died at the age of 77. Jim was born in St. Nazianz, Wisconsin, on April 24, 1943, to Ralph and Kathlyn Fessler. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree at Marquette University, Jim achieved a master’s degree in Engineering from UCLA and worked as an aerospace engineer for 38 years at Hughes Aircraft Company and Boeing in Torrance, California. He and his wife Diana raised their two children in Rancho Palos Verdes, California. Following his retirement in 2004, Jim and Diana moved to Colfax, California, where Jim put his engineering experience to good use volunteering extensively at the Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad and Transportation Museum. He spent his free time maintaining his garden, nurturing his bonsais and orchids, and visiting with his friends, children, and grandchildren. He was also a cherished member of the Parish Counsel at St. Dominic’s Catholic Church. Jim was a kind and generous man who had the great blessings of fulfilling his passions playing with trains and gardening in his yard until his final days. Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Diana in 2009. He is survived by his two children, Kari (Rob Munz), and Steve Fessler (Heidi), as well as his grandchildren, Kaitlin Munz (9), Amanda Munz (8), Kurt Fessler (4) and Holt Fessler (2). May the Almighty grant him eternal peace.