James "Jim" Mechler

( Jul 19, 1918 - Dec 11, 2011 )
St. Louis Park

Survived by brother, Paul Mechler; children, Gregory (Ellen) Mechler, Teresa (Robert) Gaffney, Elaine (Ron) Foxworth, Kathleen (Richard) Larson, and Patrick (Kazumi) Mechler; 13 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren; nieces, nephews and friends.

Preceded in death by wife, Mary Ann Kliner Mechler; parents, Edward and Estelle Mechler; brothers, Richard and Jack; sisters, Ruth Mroz and Margie Koller.

Jim piloted the B25 Bomber in the Army Air Corps during WWII in Northern Africa and Italy, flying 56 missions.  Trained as a watchmaker and jeweler, he worked at jewelry stores in Chippewa Falls and Eau Claire.  He worked at the Honeywell Aerospace division, building gyroscopes used in the Apollo Lunar Mission.  Managed the JCPenny Fine Jewelry Department at Southdale and Ridgedale for many years.  His true passions in life were his faith, family and golf.

Interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

Memorials preferred to NC Little Memorial Hospice in Edina.