Guy
A Fixture
I just read a posting in TnT Miniature Forum that shook me pretty bad. A dear friend and mentor, Jim Beaver has passed away after an illness. I read the posting and tears started to form as I realized what an impact this friend has had on me in this hobby. From the first show I ever attended to the many visits to his shop, Skirmish Line Miniatures. Of how he showed me the first Mountain Man kit and would send me any new ones that came out with just a simple note, "pay me at the show". Of how his influence brought me away from painting Napoleonic figures to Native American and Mountain Men. I remember the excitement in his voice when he called me to let me know Pat Bird had produced a 90mm Mounted Mountain Man and named it after him, "Jim Beaver, Mountain Man", he said "imagine that Guy". The many times he helped me with a new technique is why I help so many myself today. Jim was a History teacher in the New York City public schools where he will also be missed I'm sure. I have copy/pasted the below posting from TNT forum about Jim. I hope Tad doesn't mind.
The posting was made by JWLAS this morning, whom I thank for letting us know.
1055.1
Friday November 14th a Memorial was held for Jim Beaver. He had been an active participant and passionate enthusiast of the hobby for well over 20 years. He was responsible for the growth of the New Jersey club and not for its fall from grace. He served as President and long after the club had lost its standing never ceased to believe in it or the people
who continued to keep it going.
He was an avid painter and WW I collector, but more-so a man of outstanding integrity and heart.
There were few members of the miniaturists community at the Memorial, mostly because he kept his illness private. But the ones who made the trip made it out of love and respect for this man.
Though there were few fellow hobbyists there the church was so crowded ( with the aisles filled ) that a third of the total waited outside in frigid wind blown Jersey air.
Jim was a full time History teacher equally loved and respected ( from the numbers of students and fellow teachers who crowded the church ).
I'm not sure if you've met him at anytime, but if you did you were immediately at ease and comfortable with him, despite his size and 'piratical' appearance.
If ever Donne's poem struck home it was with the passing of Jim Beaver.
A piece of the Main has broken off and we are the lesser for it.
Guy
The posting was made by JWLAS this morning, whom I thank for letting us know.
1055.1
Friday November 14th a Memorial was held for Jim Beaver. He had been an active participant and passionate enthusiast of the hobby for well over 20 years. He was responsible for the growth of the New Jersey club and not for its fall from grace. He served as President and long after the club had lost its standing never ceased to believe in it or the people
who continued to keep it going.
He was an avid painter and WW I collector, but more-so a man of outstanding integrity and heart.
There were few members of the miniaturists community at the Memorial, mostly because he kept his illness private. But the ones who made the trip made it out of love and respect for this man.
Though there were few fellow hobbyists there the church was so crowded ( with the aisles filled ) that a third of the total waited outside in frigid wind blown Jersey air.
Jim was a full time History teacher equally loved and respected ( from the numbers of students and fellow teachers who crowded the church ).
I'm not sure if you've met him at anytime, but if you did you were immediately at ease and comfortable with him, despite his size and 'piratical' appearance.
If ever Donne's poem struck home it was with the passing of Jim Beaver.
A piece of the Main has broken off and we are the lesser for it.
Guy
