James M. Stettler

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Celebrating the life of
James M. StettlerMay 16, 1940 - December 17, 2015

James Michael Stettler, (Jim, Papa, Uncle Jim, Rubber Duck) age 75, passed away at Candler Hospital on December 17^th 2015. He was born in Rochester Minnesota on May 16^th 1940, to his loving parents James John, and Susan Stettler. He was raised a devout Catholic, and he served our Holy Mass when it was all in Latin, and the servers had to pray all the responses.

He graduated from Lourdes Catholic High School in Rochester, and immediately joined the United States Marine Corps. If you asked Jim what his greatest accomplishment was in life, he would tell you- “I’m a Marine, Semper Fi”. He was honorably discharged in 1963. Many of his buddies were lost or affected by the Bay of Pigs Invasion on Cuba.

Jim went to 29 Palms in San Diego, and then to Beaufort South Carolina. While he was on R & R, he went to Tybee Island, and met the love of his life. A sweet little brunette who wasn’t that sure about him. Gloria Solomon had four brothers who were very protective of her. She eventually agreed to date him, and they were married on January 18, 1964 at St. Michaels on Tybee by Father Herbert Wellmeier. Jim and Gloria tried very hard to have children, but they could not conceive. In 1969 they turned to their Church, and found a child to adopt. They drove to Mobile Alabama and picked up Steven. They drove back to Tybee through hurricane Camille, stopping along the way because he wouldn’t stop crying, and bottles had to be warmed.

In 1973 they adopted a daughter. Susan Frances Stettler was now part of the family. She immediately stole his heart, and became Daddy’s little girl.

Jim was a member of the Tybee Island Volunteer Fire Department for 17 years. He served 2 years as a city councilman. He was a past president of the Savannah Beach Jaycees. He was a member of the Savannah Kiwanis Club.

Jim was an avid boater, and was a loyal member of the Tybee Island Marine Rescue Squadron 1A. He studied and earned his Charter Captains license in 1992.

Jim made his living in Savannah selling and servicing office furniture and supplies. He ran his own company, Bidlo Associates, starting in 1980. We really don’t know when he retired, because he loved going in to his office every day. Many friends would stop in just to chat.

Later in life he re-discovered his love for motorcycles and playing guitar. He participated in rides for the Patriot Guard. He volunteered to play and sing at Hospice Savannah, and many nursing homes around Savannah.

Jim and Gloria were married nearly 52 years. Their love for each other was amazing to witness. A harsh word was never heard. Every kiss was sincere. He loved her so much. He called her “Go-Go”.

His parents preceded Jim in death. A grandson, Matthew Andrews. A special friend and business associate, Ray Shatto. A very special brother-in law, Johnny Solomon.

His wife Gloria survives him. His son Steven and his wife Melissa (Mo). His daughter Susan Miller and her husband Dennis. His sister Joni Hardwick (J.E.) of Atlanta, his brother Tom (Kathy) of Rochester MN, and his brother Tim (Roxanne) of Durango CO. His five beloved grandchildren- James Michael Stettler II (Katie), Kenneth Stettler, and Jeremy Stettler. Kaleigh Andrews and Justin Andrews. Two great-grandsons- Connor Andrews and Kenneth Joseph Stettler Jr. (Joey)

The family wishes to thank Candler hospital, Southside EMS, and Savannah Metro Police for their quick response and exceptional care. We also want to recognize Dr. Rachel Waldron, Suzannah Griffin RN, Ann Nguyen RN, Sr. Donna Cowart, Fr. Paul Cabrita, and Fr. Gabe Cummings for providing love and comfort in our distress.

Visitation will be Monday December 21 at Fox and Weeks Islands Chapel from 5-7pm with a Catholic rosary at 5:30 pm. Monsignor James Costigan presiding.

Funeral Mass will be Tuesday December 22 at 11:00 am at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church; Concord Road, Wilmington Island. Fr. Paul Cabrita, S.M. presiding.

Burial to follow at Bonaventure Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Jim’s dear friends- George Rentiers, Paul Jackson Sr., Danny Weatherly, and Craig Shatto.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Hospice Savannah, or The Social Apostolate of Savannah.

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Prayers and thoughts are with my cousin Jim's family. We lost touch many years ago. I last saw him when he rode off on his motorcycle to join the Marines. May God bless and comfort you. May your memories of Jim sustain you in this time of sorrow.

- Mary (Stettler) Haugen, Eden Prairie, MN

May God bless you all. May time help to heal your loss. Wishing you all our condolences during this difficult time.

- Catherine (Kate) Chandler Hoang, Gainesville , Fl

Our hearts are sadden by your sudden loss. We will remember you in our prayers. May you all find peace in the blessings of our Lord Jesus Christ. God bless each and every one of you.

- mike, Dean and Erin Lowe, Tybee Island, Ga.

We are so sad to hear about Uncle Jim. You guys are in our thoughts and prayers. Although we're unable to be there this week, please know that we are with you in spirit. Sending much love.

- Wade Solomon, Megan Lynn, and Adelaide Solomon, North Hollywood, CA

My condolences to you Gloria and family.

- Sandra McCumbers (Rentiers), Savannah, Ga

Gloria and extended family: Our condolences to all of you enduring this unexpected loss. We know whoever knew him will miss Jim's easy smile, gentlemanly manner and wry sense of humor. May family and faith help you all through the void left by his passing

- Rusty and Roxanne Fleetwood, Tybee Isl., Ga

There is never a way to express one true feelings at times like this. Jim was a wonderful Man whom I respected highly. A true friend wonderful father and mate. I pray that the angels of love hold you all in their wings and deliver every comfort possible during this time. Although I did not see Jim very often these last few years I will still miss him... We had many good times together that I will never forget!Our prayers are with the entire family!

- Mike & Sherry Hosti, Tybee island, Ga

Mr Stettler was one fine gentleman. I worked with him while I was with the Chatham County. There one one particular chair he sold us that stayed the same price all those years. May the Lord give each of you comfort and strength during this time. May God bless each of you.

- Leslie Prouty, Savannah, Ga

We are thinking about all of you. We loved Mr. Jim. He always had a smile on his face and so friendly. He will definitely be missed

- Shirley, Gale, Betty Jo, Tybee Island, Ga

Gloria, Susie and Steve your husband and father was a special person. He brought joy everywhere he went. After your goodbyes have been said, hold on to the happy memories that you have shared. This is what keeps him alive in your hearts and minds. May our prayers ease the pain of your loss. Bob and Lynn

- Bob and Lynn Cary, Tybee/Rincon, Ga

Gloria, we have shared many sad times like this. My heart is heavy with the news of Jim's passing. I am looking forward to visiting with you during the scheduled time ahead. Peace be with you and with your spirit, God bless you.

- Scholl. Tom,Rick, Tybee Island, GA

Gloria, Susie and Steven, There are no words to express our sorrow for you'll. Jim was and is a wonderful, sweet given person. We loved him and will miss him. Our prayers and hearts are with you all. Love Jackie and Charlie and boys

- Charlie and Jackie Brown, Tybee/Metter, GA

Gloria, Susie and Steven We are so sorry for your loss. Jim was a great man, they don't make too many like him and my Dad. We are thinking of you and praying for you at this sad time. God bless and much love, Lara Andrew and Arabella Sweeney

- The Sweeney family (Lara, Andrew and Arabella) , London, Ga