The first thing I have to say is that Jim made it to 94. An age that will be denied to many of us. Jim was turning wood well into his 80's. He would always ask one of us to chainsaw a piece or two of a log we were cutting up. Jim was involved with his church quite a bit. At his service people were encouraged to bring pieces of Jim turnings. There was a large table provided and it was filled with his work. Everyone seemed to be proud of their particular piece that Jim made. Jim was cremated and I believe he made his own cremation urn. Pretty neat idea. A special ceremony was held after the service at the church and Jim's ashes were spread in an area dedicated for this activity. Quite an honor. David Morrical
The below stories were submitted by Terry Elfers long time member of the OVWG.
Jim wore a ball cap emblazoned with “Stud Muffin”. Jim was not real tall.
Lady minister said that the congregation was familiar with Jim’s email jokes. She said that she had just recently learned that Jim had two separate lists, one a little more risqué than the other. Fred and I were on the second list!
One morning at Docs, Jim asked if I would drive him home immediately. He was suddenly in serious pain with his back. I said sure, but asked Doc to take a look at him. Doc sprung into action, bent him over the workbench and gave him the steroid treatment. We cleared off the marble topped cabinets and Jim immediately fell asleep on top. Meanwhile, 25 guys milled around talking and laughing, running lathes, chain saws, the sawmill etc. Jim did not move, looking like one of those Egyptian kings that you see in museums. Finally, after about an hour and a half, he arose and said he felt great . He no longer needed a ride.
Jim’s eyes went bad and he needed eye surgery. He told me that his surgeon really screwed him up.! Before his surgery he felt he was a pretty darn good turner. But after his surgery he discovered his bowls had all kinds of tool marks and scratches that he couldn't see before the surgery .
These are just a couple of my memories of Jim. Hope it helps you put a story together. Jim and Dave Glynn and Cliff and I worked banding boards together. Jim put the stickers between the boards and put the metal clamp on the plastic band. He then put the big two foot long crimper in place - but was then not strong enough to fully close the jaws, and I would finish the crimp for him.
David Wright said: Some of his woodturner friends brought their "Goethel bowls" to the service to honor one of his many talents. Jim was an avid turner and strong supporter of the Ohio Valley Woodturners Guild and will be greatly missed by his many friends and those he inspired with his woodturning.
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