On 17/04/2015 11:56 PM, Charlie Driggs wrote:
>
 > I am sad to report that there is one less Galoot among us. Jim
 > Thompson's wife returned my call earlier today seeking a status
 > update, and conveyed that Jim had passed away Wednesday afternoon.
 >
 > I suggest that whatever you are drinking and
 > wherever you are, raise a glass to "the Old Mill Rat".
 >

Damn.  I will really miss Jim on the Porch.
He was full of stories and free with his help.
There are so many things that I've done in my shop
that were inspired by the Old Millrat.
He was truly one of a kind.

I was gonna raise a glass to his memory but that felt
kind of pale to me, so instead I went down to the shop
tonight and made something.  Not something I've done
before, one of those things Jim was always doing and
showing to us.

I've never tried putting a bit of brass plumbing fitting on
a turning as a ferule.  Never made an awl before.  Here's
one for you Jim.  Some hard exotic wood, and some 3/16
drill rod.

http://galootcentral.com/components/cpgalbums/userpics/10074/memorial_a
wl_1.jpg">http://galootcentral.com/components/cpgalbums/userpics/10074/memorial_
awl_1.jpg
http://galootcentral.com/components/cpgalbums/userpics/10074/memorial_a
wl_2.jpg">http://galootcentral.com/components/cpgalbums/userpics/10074/memorial_
awl_2.jpg

And now that the tools are put away, I will raise a glass
to the Old Millrat.  Thanks Jim, you made the world a better place.

-- 
Darrell LaRue
Oakville ON
Wood Hoarder, Blade Sharpener, and Occasional Tool User