James Hill Hubbell

James Hill Hubbell, Jim to most, a master craftsman, avid aviator, and devoted family man, passed away peacefully at his home with his family at his side as he had always hoped, on May 20, 2026, at the age of 95. He leaves behind a legacy of brilliant ingenuity, quiet resilience, and a lifetime of helping those he loved.

Born on December 23, 1930, in San Jose, California, Jim was the son of the late Mildred Ellen Hill and Carl Lisberger Hubbell. As a child, he faced several health battles, falling ill with pneumonia and eventually contracting polio. While recovering at the Sunnyside Sanatorium near Los Gatos, he developed a lifelong practical determination—quickly learning to empty his entire plate just so he could earn a second helping of bread and gravy. As a youth, he spent countless hours tinkering with cars from his Uncle Willis's wrecking yard, which sparked his lifelong passion for machinery and engineering.

Jim’s mechanical talents even led him to the love of his life. After a skiing accident, he met a nurse named June Susann "Susie” or “Sue" Schmitz at the doctor’s office. When she mentioned needing help fixing a piece of equipment, Jim stepped in to solve the problem and immediately asked her out for a flight in his airplane. Their whirlwind romance took off, and they were happily married by the fall of 1955.

For over 24 years, Jim served as the dedicated plant engineer for the Meadow Gold Creamery in Los Gatos, California. Beyond his work on the ground, his love for aviation grew. Alongside his friend Robert Dench, he proudly owned and piloted a rare, classic OTW Meyer Biplane, sharing a deep passion for the golden age of flight.

In 1975, Jim and Sue moved their family of eight children to Bonners Ferry, Idaho, where his diverse talents continued to shine. He worked as an appliance repairman for SS&H, a welder for Meeker’s Machine Shop, and eventually founded his own successful HVAC business alongside his son, Michael. A true visionary, Dad worked hand in hand with his family to build a remarkable, 5,000-square-foot underground home on their farm in Moravia.

Machining and working with metal were Jim’s true artistic passions. He was incredibly proud to have an article on his craftsmanship published by a reputable machining magazine. Though he technically "retired" in his sixties, Dad never truly stopped working; instead, he dedicated his time to running around helping his children, happily solving their endless construction dilemmas and car problems.

In his later years, Dad remained an active and beloved fixture in his community. He delighted in attending the county fair, where he showed off his intricate miniature steam engine and dominated the paper airplane contests, bringing home first-place ribbons. He shared his lifelong ability by giving machining demonstrations at the local museum, playing pool with the crew at the Senior Center, and mentoring the next generation as a volunteer machinist for Bonners Ferry High School's FIRST Robotics Team #2130 (Alpha+).

Dad will be remembered for his brilliant hands, his sharp mind, and his generous heart. He is survived by his sister, Ruth Meyer; his eight loving children, Matthew Hubbell, Mike (Liz) Hubbell, Tom (Lynrae) Hubbell, Jeff Hubbell, Therese Hubbell, Doug (Linda) Hubbell, Julie (Lee) Colson, and Mary (Joshua) Joseph; and numerous cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as many dear friends and neighbors.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Susie; his parents, Mildred Ellen Hill and Carl Lisberger Hubbell; and his brother, Carl L. Hubbell, Jr. "Hank", and his lifelong friends Harold Cunningham, Mark Reschar and Bob Dench; among the many who have left already.

Currently, there is no planned celebration of life.