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.