A loss in our woodworking world - Jim Chadbourne's passing

 This one hurts. 

A lot.

We lost Jim Chadbourne this week; many of our Sin City Woodworking members know him as our resident electrical expert - a retired electrician from New York. 

 Jim had been fighting a few health issues for the past few years, and lately, we'd missed him at our monthly meetings. Saying he was an integral part of the woodworking community here is a huge understatement. 

But beyond that, he was a friend. A good one, and we're heartbroken about his passing. 

In 2009, when I contemplated starting the woodworking group - Sin City Woodworkers, I put a notice in our local newspaper. And pinned some ads on various bulletin boards around town. I planned a meeting at the library, expecting maybe 15 or 20 people.  Imagine my surprise when 70+ people attended!

Jim was one of our original members, and as we got to know him over the last 16 years, we realized woodworking was just one of his talents. He was - without a doubt - a family man first. You couldn't have a chat with him without him mentioning his amazingly talented wife - Mary Jane.  

He always downplayed his skills, preferring to brag about MJ and whatever she was creating. They collaborated on many pieces - with Jim doing his woodworking magic, and MJ completing the various pieces that he'd made. He was just that kind of guy - humble, preferring to stay in the background, giving other people the credit and glory. 

The good thing is - MJ never lets anyone forget Jim's contribution to their lives. Whether it was building furniture, working around the house, or even creating a wonderful studio for MJ - their collaboration was epic. She was - and IS - his Number One Fan.

But let's get real - Jim couldn't have been more proud of his daughters - Marisa and Danielle. There virtually wasn't a conversation I had with him that he didn't bring them up, telling me the latest accomplishment or funny story about his grandkids. 

We're going to miss his wonderful wit, his eagerness to help with anything - from answering electrical questions to rolling up his sleeves and helping someone in need. I would bet he's helped dozens of people (woodworkers!) here with electrical issues. 

Here is my favorite memory about Jim...

 He was in THE VERY FIRST class that I ever taught at my school.

I opened the doors at the school on June 1, 2009 and Jim was the first student I welcomed to my shop.  I never forgot that.  A few years later, I had a small electrical job that needed to be done at the school, and Jim stopped by my shop - did the task, and slipped out the door without any fanfare or payment. 

That's just who he was - generous, low key and willing to help anyone who needed it. 

We're going to miss him immensely. They say time heals all wounds, but I don't think that's really true. I think we just learn to live with the scars. 

We're sending much love and healing thoughts to Jim's family.

Field Trip! Here's our cross-over meeting with the Las Vegas Knife Makers

Sin City Woodworkers, a Vegas valley social and networking group committed to serious (and not so serious!) woodworking discussions. We meet on the third Thursday of each month to share everything from techniques and ideas, demos and information about local suppliers and much, much more. 

Two words about our next meeting -

FIELD TRIP!

Our next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 17, at 7:00 and we’re heading out to visit Tony Immordino’s knife making studio. 

If you attended our April 2024 meeting that featured fellow knife maker Len Black, you’ll remember that it was one of our best meetings ever. Tony accompanied Len and their discussion of knives, and steel and Damascus techniques was beyond interesting.

Tony has been making edged weapons for over six years, and works with the local knife maker community as a focal point for support and classes. He manages the Las Vegas knife Maker Facebook group since its creation three years ago.

As a graduate of the Bill Moran School of Bladesmithing in 2022, Tony has mentored master smiths in North America, and his skills are formidable. He also has a passion for traveling and demonstrating - teaching the next generation of knife makers.

He is part of the Art Knife Invitational (AKI) every October followed by the Las Vegas Hammer In convention at his shop. Tony will  have tons of show and tell items, and will host a general discussion on knife making, Seriously, this is going to be an outstanding evening for us!

This is just a thought - but I know many of us have special small pieces of wood that we’ve squirreled away for some future project - things that we never seem to get around to making. (Think of burls, or curly woods, or something figured and gorgeous!) If you have a small piece of wood that would make a gorgeous knife handle - please consider bringing it with you and donating it to the knife making group. It would be great to share some of our scraps with these artisans. 

The meeting will be at 4265 W. Torino Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89139

You won’t want to miss this one!