Jim Hamm has passed away

[Pat B]

 For those who knew who Jim Hamm was we got sad news that he passed away last weekend. Here is a message he posted on Primitive Archer a few days ago...

 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.

[Roy from Pa]

 

[Wudstix]

AMEN
 

[1/4 away]

I am still in shock after hearing the sad news on Sunday. Myself and 3 of my hunting buddies hunted at Jim’s place multiple times. Jim was a great guy and I was blessed to have know him and spend time with him. His passing is a great loss. Prayers for his wife Donna, his sons Lee and Reed and the rest of the family.

[Terry Green]

I never met him, but 'heard' about him.  He was definatly and asset to Trad Bowhunting.

God Speed 

[Cyclic-Rivers]

Rest in peace Jim.  Prayers for family and loved ones

[Mighty Big Country]

I remember first seeing Jim at the Michigan Longbow Safari in the early 90's.  He was a giant in traditional archery.  He and Jay Massey led the self bow renaissance.  I pray for Jim's soul and those left behind to be comforted.

[Duker]

My thoughts  and prayers for the Hamm family.

[Hud]

My condolences to the Jim Hamm family, he was very knowledgeable and very helpful to many.  He will be remembered fondly.

[1Arrow1Kill]

Best wishes to the Hamm family.  Jim is most likely making a self-bow to use in the Happy Hunting Grounds above.
 

[Mint]

Back in the early 2000's I hunted antelope with Fred Eichler's outfit and Jim Hamm was in camp also hunting antelope. The guy was super nice and just an all around class act. Had a great time talking with him after a long day hunting in the blind.

[tippit]

Never met Jim...but he was my inspiration into making bows. RIP Jim.

[Sam McMichael]

Reed, your family and your dad's friends will be in our prayers.

[Skates 2]

So sorry to hear.

[Rob DiStefano]

Jim was one of the best trad stick bowyers around and had contributed much to the "Traditional Bowyer's Bible" series.  He was much admired and appreciated ... he will be sorely missed as another of the old guard departs us all.

[Ron LaClair]

Very sad to hear that a giant in the traditional archery fraternity has passed. Some years ago Jim came to the GLLI to share his talant with us. He inspired many people over the years, he will be greatly missed. Prayers for his family.

[Killdeer]

I have gotten so many hours of pleasure and insight from reading Jim’s books, especially the ones done in concert with Steve Allely. I mourn his passing, and am grateful for all he has given us.

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

[Cory Mattson]

Sad news
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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[BAK]

God Bless

[Mike Malvaini]

Sad news for sure.  Thanks for sharing Cory.