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James Abler Obituary
James L. Abler
Resident of Palo Alto
April 19, 1926-Sept.24, 2010
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Proceeded in death by his son Gary. Very much loved by Linda and Zongar Johnson, Dennis Abler, David Abler and Robert Williams, Sheri Colley and Nick Sklavos, eight grandchildren, and twelve great-grandchildren.
Born in South Dakota, Jim served in the Navy1944-1946 on the USS Bollinger APA234. He graduated from San Jose State University in 1948. He worked for PG&E for 7 years. He began work for the city of Palo Alto where he retired after 30 years of outstanding service. Jim enjoyed fishing, camping, travel. and spending time with family. He had just returned from his annual USS Bollinger reunion.
Memorial Service will be held Sunday, October 3, 2010 at 1 p.m. at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, 3233 Cowper Street , Palo Alto. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Abler
Becky Stillwell
September 25, 2024
Jim saw that the elastic on my scrimshaw bracelet was stretched out, so he took it home and replaced the elastic. Every time I see the upside-down tile, I think of Jim and smile. What a nice guy!
Newton
October 17, 2010
To the Abler family, sorry for your loss, may GOD give you his LOVE, PEACE, and STRENGTH in this time of sorrow. I want to thank him for serivng his country to keep us SAFE and FREE. May he R.I.P <3
Matt Costigan
October 5, 2010
Jim was my first boss when I was entering the "working world" with the City of Palo Alto in 1985. One of the first things he taught me (and he taught me a lot of things) was to treat people with honesty and integrity - something I try to do everyday in my current job
Richard Whaley
October 4, 2010
I loved to work with Jim. I pumped him for information when I was a consultant, and I helped him find valves when he worked for utilities after his retirement. A nicer man who love to fish I will never find! I will celebrate his great life. A prayer for all the family. Dick Whaley
David Sandage
October 4, 2010
I worked with Jim from 1982 until he retired in Public Works. As the City Arborist, I often had to bring attention to some problems created for the City trees by the pavement work done in Jim's office. He was always the most open-minded, friendly person there and a great problem solver, the best!
Becky Stillwell
October 4, 2010
Jim and I spent a lot of time out in the field, measuring and mapping water valves for CPA. We talked about his life in South Dakota, his love for Civil War sites and his family. When my father died and Jim read about it in the newspaper, he sent me a wonderful note. And when my Inuit ivory/mastodon scrimshaw bracelet broke, he took the time to string elastic through each piece to put it together again. One piece, a scrimshaw seal, was put in upside down, and each time I wear the bracelet, I smile and think of Jim. He was kind, soft-spoken and one of the nicest people I've known. My thoughts are with his family.
October 2, 2010
I was very blessed to have know Grandpa Abler. I had met him when he would come to pick up his 2 grandkids from my daycare.I have never met anybody so excited to see their grandkids like Grandpa Abler did........he truly loved Haley & Jamie! He will be deeply missed and will always remember him for what a wonderful man he was. I am sorry for your loss and pray that the Lord will give you the strength to be strong during this difficult time.
~ Sandi Uribe~
October 2, 2010
Justin, my condolences to you and your family. He was a great man!
Karen Bengard
October 1, 2010
I worked with Jim at the City of Palo Alto, Public Works Department. Everyone loved Jim - such a nice man, always ready to help people, always with a smile. We are all sad to hear the news.
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