It is with great sadness that we report the death of James Pearson (Jim), Chairman of Strathclyde Woodturners on 22nd November 2022.
After a career in engineering, including running his own business where he designed and oversaw the installation of the wave machine in Disney Florida amongst other things, Jim took up woodturning. He was given a course with the late Allan Batty as a birthday present and was hooked. Soon after, he joined Scotswood woodturning club and the AWGB. In early 2002 when Scotswood folded, Jim and a few others formed Strathclyde Woodturners with Jim as Chairman. He undertook many other roles within the club, promoting it wherever he could at woodturning shows and other venues.

Jim enjoyed demonstrating, even doing one for the club as recently as October. He produced many fine turnings -”His way, not necessarily how the experts say it should be done”
He was a regular on the AWGB Talking Turning sessions & will be remembered for his unique take on things and curiosity as to how thing worked. He thought nothing of challenging the design if he thought it could be bettered. He was usually right! He was also author of several articles for Revolutions as well as Woodturning magazine.

Jim & his wife embarked on more than one of the woodturning cruises. On one he met and was inspired by Johannus Mickelson. He was the proud owner of a signed miniature hat made by Johannus and then, after some further training from Andrew Hall, turned many wooden hats including his own full sized one which he proudly wore whenever the opportunity arose.

He will be sadly missed by club members and those around the world who knew him. Sincere condolences to the family.