James A. Oertel

James A. Oertel, 70, of Cathedral City, Calif., died December 2, 2013 at Eisenhower Medical Center in Rancho Mirage after a sudden illness. Jim led a colorful life working in the beauty industry for decades, and served as hairdresser on the Sonny & Cher Show. He moved to the Coachella Valley in the early 1980s, and was diagnosed HIV Positive in 1987. Jim became an active volunteer with the Desert AIDS Project's "Positively Speaking" outreach program and the agency's Preventive education efforts. He brought years of joy to many with his human interest newspaper column for "The Bottom Line". Jim Oertel 2013," How do you go from the brigg to the back of a limo with Cher? You gotta hustle baby, you gotta hustle". Jim is survived by his partner, family and many, many loved ones. His family will hold a celebration of life, Sunday, December 15, 1-5 p.m. at the Clubhouse of the Date Palm C.C.

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