Post by: Pat B on March 04, 2021, 09:28:20 AM
This is Jim’s youngest son, Reed. I am writing on behalf of the family.
Dad passed Saturday night. He had a heart attack at home with mom and by the time the paramedics arrived, there was really nothing they could do. It was really unexpected as he had been splitting wood with Lee last weekend and had been working on a bow from an Osage tree we had cut here on the place.
I have read all of messages and appreciate everyone sharing how he touched their lives. It really brings comfort for us as we move forward that he touched so many people.
I have read the following phrase lately and it touched me personally: A society grows great when old men plant trees knowing they will never be able to sit in their shade. Dad tried to plant a lot of trees for a lot of people. I know he was a huge influence in my life and will miss him dearly.
Post by: Roy from Pa on March 04, 2021, 09:35:59 AM
Post by: Wudstix on March 04, 2021, 09:56:53 AM
:campfire:
Post by: 1/4 away on March 04, 2021, 11:04:00 AM
Post by: Terry Green on March 05, 2021, 09:59:16 AM
God Speed :campfire:
Post by: Cyclic-Rivers on March 05, 2021, 10:10:03 AM
Post by: Mighty Big Country on March 05, 2021, 10:15:13 AM
Post by: Duker on March 05, 2021, 03:04:40 PM
Post by: Hud on March 05, 2021, 06:40:34 PM
Post by: 1Arrow1Kill on March 05, 2021, 06:53:44 PM
:pray:
Post by: Mint on March 11, 2021, 06:41:30 PM
Post by: tippit on March 12, 2021, 09:39:33 AM
Post by: Sam McMichael on March 12, 2021, 02:11:18 PM
Post by: Skates 2 on March 12, 2021, 06:49:20 PM
Post by: Rob DiStefano on March 12, 2021, 07:36:12 PM
Post by: Ron LaClair on March 13, 2021, 01:19:35 PM
Post by: Killdeer on March 14, 2021, 07:41:13 PM
Prayers up for his family as they travel this darkened section of trail. I am sure that his light will make the path visible to them.
Killdeer
Post by: Cory Mattson on March 14, 2021, 11:08:47 PM
A while back - guessing 91 ? I had read Jim’s book ‘Bows&Arrows of The Native Americans
That was a moment of force. I was completely impressed. I called Jim very soon after and I’m not remembering how I got his number or anything like that. After a brief introduction and saying we don’t know each other this was basically a cold call. I asked if he would consider an apprenticeship. Something along the lines of I camp in his yard or at a nearby park. We get at building some bows. If he’d consider think of a price?
Amazingly Jim said “you know what Cory I’ve been talking about something like that, give me your name, address, number”. He said he’d call me if something developed.
Few months later he calls. Jim had a bow making school planned. I think one in the spring and a second one in June. I booked immediately for the June class and mailed a check.
Sunday arrival - way cool - group was a dozen guys. Jim had a huge vendors style tent. Cots. Easy comfortable camp.
Showers at the house - also easy one of his bathrooms was close to his side door.
The food was plentiful and good quality.
It was a great week all around.
We made bows, but you got to see everybody’s work - their progress - their challenges.
By the end of the week I think everyone had a shooter. Nothing quite like actually making a bow that will hunt.
One of the best weeks I ever spent hunting wise or any wise.
I stayed in touch with Jim for years. I’d send pics of animals and eventually signed them “Longbows & Recurves” which we both got a kick out of.
One time I sent him a picture of a bull Moose I got and he called - he seemed more excited than I was - which as y’all know this is how real hunters real friends are.
Jim was very unique and forged his own path.
Something you may find interesting is when The Smithsonian had a question about Native American bows/artifacts they called Jim.
It was a privilege to be one of his students. The bow I built took some hogs and a deer. I put it away but it still shoots!!
I liked all Jim’s writing but my favorites are the bows&arrows mentioned and ‘ISHI & ELVIS’.
He wrote personalized notes in all the books I bought, really cool.
Rest In Peace Jim
You are missed.
Thanks Cory <><
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Post by: BAK on March 15, 2021, 09:34:56 AM
Post by: Mike Malvaini on March 15, 2021, 10:37:31 AM
Post by: Dan Leep on March 19, 2021, 11:37:36 AM
Sincere condolences.