Sad news,

Long time Leatherwall member Jim Fetrow, aka "Dire Wolf" and "Jim in Oregon", passed away peacefully early this afternoon at home surrounded by his family after a 2 1/2 year battle with glioblastoma. I first became acquainted with Jim here on the Leatherwall nearly 20 years ago, and over time developed a close friendship with him. He and his wife MaryEllen had me up as their guest to their home in the Portland area on several occasions and I had the opportunity to spend shop time and shooting time with him, as well as generally enjoying his company and talking about deeper things. The last few years were full of some serious challenges for Jim, as well as his family as many of you here know, but he was a good friend and great companion and I will really miss him. Journey well my friend, you can finally rest.

If you are inclined to do so, please keep his wife and family in your prayers.

Good man. Respected him a lot.

Yes, Larry, that he was.

sad to hear, best to the family

Rest in peace.

Sorry to hear this.

RIP Dire Wolf. He fought a really good fight.

Joe

Jim was an awesome guy, and a good friend that I never had a chance to shake hands with. I will miss him.

Rest in peace Jim.

Well that is sad news. He was a solid man and i enjoyed his insight. Prayers for his family.

I've lost so many friends. We never met but Jim was a friend who was there for me when my brother died. He was such a good man.

My sympathies to family and friends.

May his memory be eternal.

George

So sorry to hear this--he's been on my mind recently. He was very generous with his expert advice and helped me through some bow projects. He was a friend I never met in person, but a friend nevertheless.

Very sorry to hear this. My sympathies to his family.

If you want a treat, search Jim's handles here on the LW. As well as being very knowledgeable about all things archery, the man was a real wordsmith, and had a subtle, wicked sense of humor.

If you want a treat, search Jim's handles here on the LW. As well as being very knowledgeable about all things archery, the man was a real wordsmith, and had a subtle, wicked sense of humor.

So sorry Rick. Prayers for Jim's family. Jim always took the time to answer all my self bow questions. And I had a lot of them. I always enjoyed his stories and posts too. Rest in Peace Jim.

I always enjoyed his posts and his knowledge on al types of Trad Archery. He will be missed and I hope he is at peace. Sympathy's to the family. He shared with all on the leather wall.

Been missing him for awhile. Prayers for Jim's family.

Been missing him for awhile. Prayers for Jim's family.

His voice may be silenced and his last breathe drawn but his wisdom will live on as long as we remember. My prayers for his wife and family. RIP Jim, you’ve earned it. Lance

Sad news indeed.

Jim was a good friend, and mentor to me for many years.

He will be greatly missed.

God Bless, his family & friends.

Rick

Very sad news for all of us, but I am happy that his suffering and trials are at an end.

Hate to hear that. I enjoyed his articles in the old archery magazines and he sure could retiller a bow and make it shoot better.

He and I emailed back and forth from time to time and he gave me a bow once. Jim will be missed.

Very sad.

Jim restored my faith in mankind and helped my journey into San Diego archery history (Which has changed my life).

Prayers for the Family

Always enjoyed Jim's posts and humor over the years. Great loss to the trad family.

Sincerest condolences to his family and close friends.

Sad

Adios old buddy...been thinking about you.

Sorry to hear that. He certainly will be missed. Prayers from NY for his family. bvd

prayers to family dr

Prayers for his family. God bless.

Prayer sent for family.

GOOD MAN! Gone WAY TOO SOON! GREATLY REGRETTED!

GOOD MAN! Gone WAY TOO SOON! GREATLY REGRETTED!

He will be missed. I know Jim is with Jesus

Much respected by me, and so sorry to hear

Prayer sent of to follow him

He touched so many of us with his knowledge and generosity. If people were arrows, Jim would've been a Forgewood.

I only got to know Jim for a few short years here but he was one of the ones that quickly befriended and helped me along.

He's already been sorely missed but now it's time to celebrate the great person he was and pray the family finds strenth while he finds peace in his passing.

Sad news. Great guy.

Very sorry to hear this. Prayers for his family,

Prayers for peace for Jim and his family. May they all feel God’s grace in this difficult time. Blessings to our brother.

I remember him as Jim from Oregon if you search you'll see his old LW posts from the early days of LW

I was just thinking about him the other day wondering how he was. Condolences and Prayers to family and friends.

Read a lot of Jim's works in the past. He had done it all. RIP Shick

I knew him better as a member of military surplus forums year ago. I was surprised to see he was involved with archery.

Prayers sent for Jim and his family.

He was very knowledgable here on this site and I, like many others, benefitted from that wisdom. RIP Dire Wolf.

Another good man gone . Rest in peace Jim ????

My condolences to his family.

Condolences to the family. May he rest in peace.

Dang, I hate to hear that. Jim was a wealth of knowledge and all around good guy....condolences to his family.

Sad!

So sorry to hear. Prayers for his family and friends.

So sad to hear of this, Bless him and his family.

Travel well, brother. Grant peace to his family....

Prayers to his family and loved ones.

God bless him good.

He had no right to still be here even before he got sick, and he proved his docs all wrong by staying with us for so long. They don’t make ‘em any tougher than that.

Anybody who won’t miss him has no idea what he’s missed out on.

Just make sure you remember to shoot the line on a regular basis.

Rick - don’t be a stranger, eh?

He'll be greatly missed, for sure. A lot of you guys knew him longer and better than I did, but he helped me along too. Rest in Peace, Jim.

Prayers for his family. Like many here I enjoyed reading what he had to say.

sad news- I know he will be missed. prayers for his family. RIP Jim. I salute you, Lead the Way!!!

Sad news, Jim was always willing to help a new guy out with all of his knowledge. Rest in peace.

He will be missed. I have been around awhile myself and really liked his posts. Rest in peace my friend. Prayers to the family.

Always enjoyed Jim's advice and his wit. Prayers for the family. RIP Jim

Prayers for his family

Jim was a good man. Knowledgeable, humorous, capable, generous. I visited with Jim and MaryEllen several times over the last couple of years. I am heart broken, especially for family left behind. Jim's very generous gift to me of some English longbows made in the mid-18th century in England was the inspiration for one of my TBM cover photos. I have a photo of Jim sitting in that red rocker, clutching one of the bows. He will be greatly missed.

Very sad to hear that. Jim was a fine man. I will miss his friendship as will many here.

My very best to MaryEllen and the family,

Funny anecdote:

One afternoon we we shooting in Jim's back yard, mostly just screwing around with the little target bags we'd toss wherever. Jim is all "careful where you shoot, we don't want arrows to land the the neighbor's yard, they'll get pretty pissed". Ok Jim, will do. A couple beers...errr...arrows.... into it, Jim has a "hold my beer bro" moment. Wants to demonstrate a couple trick shots. "Ok man, lets see it." I says. Proceeds to lay on the ground on his back, draw the bow, take a bead on the target, and bounces the arrow of'n a chunk of log laying on the ground, arrow goes almost vertical and right over the fence into the neighbors backyard. Hahaha! Fortunately, the neighbors weren't home, Jim sneaks through the side gate into the back yard and retrieves his arrow which fortunately didn't hit anything other than lawn. Haha! We decided to call it a day after that, but I never stopped giving him shit about it, LMAO.

Back when I first started reading on the LW, I remember seeing the handle "dire wolf" and thinking how cool it was. After reading a few of his posts, I realized I'd do well to pay attention to any insights he shared. My sincere condolences to all his friends and family, he must have been even more extraordinary than I realized.

Sorry to hear this news. Rest in Peace Jim. Prayers for his family

Those are good memories Iktomi.

Thanks for sharing that funny story with us Rick.

A man of quality gone. Rest In peace Jim.

Prayers from wv

RIP Dire Wolf.

I didn't know him, but he sounds like he was a good man. Sorry to hear of his passing. May he rest in peace.

Here's the photo I referenced earlier. RIP, Jim.

I sure will miss his posts. Rest in piece my friend.

Jim and I about 5 years ago.

Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.Psalm116:15

"Talk to your ( OUR ) Savior and the Father like they were sitting next to you...for they are so close to you..waiting..knowing..

and KNOW they know your heart..hopes, failures, weaknesses , strengths..worries...They will help..and answer..just have faith and look for the help to arrive..

and you can know that whatever you haven't yet asked, our Lord knows and is ready an willing to answer-help with.jim"

Prayers sent for the family and friends.

In the wind Jim.....rest in peace brother.

May your next sunrise be eternal.

Jim was always learning, generous with his time, possessions and what he learned along the way. Peace and Grace for his spirit, family and friends

Prayers to his family and friends...

A good man, I am sorry to hear.

will surely miss him.

Wow Lord willing I will see you on the other side bro. I pray for you often and it looks like the Lord has ended Jim's pain. Watch over us Jim we need your wisdom. When and if you see us fall please talk to the Lord for us and get our beds pulled down. Some of us it won't be long before we see you. Lord watch over Jim's family as they morn the loss of this incredible brother father and gentleman. Jim has made his mark in this world many times over boys in case some didn't know it or who he was.

If it weren't for Jim on a couple occasions talking to me and helping me I might not be typing this now when I was really down and out a time or two since I been here.

Jim held a world of knowledge and wasn't afraid to use it. We miss and have missed you for a while now it doesn't come to a surprise you are better off with the Lord where no more pain and sorrow or tears exist.

Rest in piece Wolf many of us have been touched by your life and words over many years.

Now here's a real Legend who never called attention to himself. Jim knew the word of God and he struggled just like most of us.

Lord take care of Jim's survivors and friends and family also his Leather wall family especially who he loved and we loved him and missed him dearly.

Thank you father for allowing Jim to come home I guess you needed a bow and some goose feathered arrows.

Prayers for Jim & his family

My sincerest sympathy to his family. Jim, you’re in the best hands now.

The world was a better place with Jim in it but now heaven has the honor of his company. I conversed with him on here...at least I had that privelege. Rest peacefully Dire Wolf and we will meet someday in person. TK

Jim was one of those guys whose posts always garnered the attention from the rest of us. A respected gentleman and a wealth of knowledge. Prayers for his family and friends.

I never got to know this Guy but I always thought highly of the way he spoke on here , always respectable. Sad news.

I feel privileged just to have known him through this forum. May you may you Rest In Peace , friend.

Rest in Peace wherever your soul may go.

Rest In Peace Wolf !!!

Prayers for you and your loved ones. May you Rest in Peace.

Very sad to hear...he was very kind and helpful to me with advice when I got back into archery after a long hiatus and had to sort out arrow spine and other mysteries.

His account of finding a setting up a Wing Thunderbird intrigued me so much I had to go find one myself!

I will "shoot the line" today with my T-Bird and think of him...thoughts to the family he leaves behind.

Rest in piece Jim. JF

Prayers to his family. He will be miss greatly. Also thank him for his service to this nation.

God Speed to Jim. TLM

Dire Wolf RIP you will be missed .

Hugh

He was one of the good guys. Sad news. He will be missed for certain. Leatherwall is a family and this was certainly a good man, kind and always helping others in word and deed.

As my pal Jawge says, May his memory be eternal. Prayers for his family and friends. I’ll miss him on my threads and I’m certain many of you will too.

Frank

So sorry to hear this. He was a friend and mentor to many of us here. Wishing peace and sweet memories for his family to soothe the pain of loss. RIP Jim, may you find your happy hunting ground.

I never had the honor of knowing the man but he, obviously, meant a lot to a lot of people. Rest in Peace Sir.

This is sad news. Jim was a friend and inspiration to me in more ways than one. He was a meticulous craftsman, and selfless in his sharing of that knowledge. He had always answered my questions in great length and detail, and had given me special bow making tools he had made and the best yew bow stave I've ever seen... of course, hunted, cut, seasoned, and cared for by himself. I told him I always wished I could have walked those hills with him in search of a bow worthy yew... whether we found one or not. I miss him.

God speed Wolf, and my deepest condolences to your family.

Sad News, Prayers up.

DIRE WOLF, I just can't believe you are gone, I didn't know him personally, but as most of you fellas we knew him well through his helpful posts. He was a brother to all of us and losing a brother is painful. Hoping you a heavenly journey and all the selfbows you can dream of. God take care of him.

The wolf is not gone he is now resting with the Lord as we think and wonder and cry and praise God for allowing Jim's pain to stop we are hurting many of us.

We are in denial, pain and sorrow as well as elated that Jim gets to go home before some of us. LOL

Jim left a mark like we all are supposed to leave a mark with others. God designed us this way because we were made in the image of Christ. As easily as it is to be bad Jim showed the love for others here with his unselfishness and willingness to help, guide and teach others. That's what God wants us to do what Jim showed us. Its hard but where there is a will there is a way to figure out our place in life.

Jim was the real deal you have been missed Jim. We hope to see you again brother Jim.

Lord we pray that Jim's family is alright as they morn and as we morn as well.

Thank you Lord for calling Jim home.

I never got to meet Jim but I still consider him a friend. I was posting on here about liking to smoke a pipe and Jim sent me these to enjoy. Rest In Peace my friend and every time I smoke one of your pipes I'llthink of you and say a prayer for your family.

Rest in peace, friend. Never met in person, but we corresponded & traded arrows and information.

Jim was part of the framework of the Leatherwall tent. I always enjoyed his no-nonsense comments, except for a moment when they were directed at me. 8-

Sorry he is no longer with us.

Sad to hear this. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. RIP Jim

Sad news indeed. RIP Jim

A friend I never meet you have a bran new life!!

Sad news headed very knowledgeable and I always enjoyed his post.

Prayers for his family and friends sent from northern Canada.

I never had the privilege of meeting or communicating with him personally but I too truly enjoyed his posts.

His intelligence, traditional values and good heart was apparent.

Will, I have a very similar story. Many years ago I posted in simple admiration of one of his pictures of a pipe he carved. At that time i never knew him. He reached out and we corresponded for some time. Being from KS turned out he had family history from here so lots to chat about. Then one day in the mail I received a package of 5 very high quality pipes. One of which was carved by Jim. I tried to offer something in pay or trade and he would have none of it. Just wanted me to enjoy them. From the little I really knew him...I was impressed with his intelligence on so many subjects, his unique perspective, his memory of so much about his life, and of course his kindness. (Those pipes are now a tradition at my little shabin as we enjoy a fall campfire, a story of chasing whitetails, and a toast to our friend Dire Wolf)

I too have a couple of Jim's pipes. Gave up tobacco a year ago but last night I filled a hand carved briar he made and had a smoke in his memory.

Oh my, so sad. Nothing to add that has not been said already. RIP and more prayers from OKC. John

At the old Muzzy Stump Shoot in upstate New York there are hand lettered signs placed at various spots where needed:

First one at the beginning says, "BS ends and life begins"

Near the end of the course there is another sign, where the trail dips between a hilltop position and a target in the valley below-

"Watch for archers above"

RIP Jim

Very sad, his wisdom and generosity will be missed. He had a distinct writing style and explained things well.

Prayers for his family and friends.

Sad to hear that he has passed.

Rick that's very sad news I will miss my friend. God bless him and his family.

Jim was a special person who impressed all of us, may he rest in peace.

My Condolences to Jims Family and Friends...I've enjoyed Jims comments and PM's over the Years and I know Jim lived a Good Life...Rest Well Bowhunter...4finger

About 8 years ago I posted a video on Facebook of me shooting my bow. My friend said “my dads into traditional archery, he would love to talk bows with you”

I met Jim a week later at his house and he started teaching me about bows. He gave me an old bear recurve and taught me to steam the limb straight. He helped my brother restore an attic find long bow with a terribly cracked finish.

After a few visits we started working on an Osage long bow together. He taught me how to tiller and make my own string. His skill amazed me. It took me days to get the tiller correct. He waited till I was done to show me that he could do it with a palm sander in 5 min, but he still had the patience to sit and watch me fumble for hours.

He was always ready to share tools, knowledge and bows. He will be missed

Jerry

Those are the bows I gave to Jim. One is a Buchanan the other two are Aldreds

Delighted you now have them

Rest in Peace JIM

He will be missed. I always looked forward to his posts. God Bless his family.

Thank you Jim for blessing us with your wisdom and friendship. Thank you for your service to our country and this website. You have touched many lives with your words and deeds and we are richer for it. I will always smile when I think you Jim. You have made this world a better place for us let us strive to follow your example. My thoughts and prayers to you family.

When you sat down to talk with Jim, it was never small talk. Conversations always ran deep. He wanted to *know* you, and know what you are made OF. He had a way of doing that. I am really going to miss those conversations.

RIP Mr. Jim

Only knew Jim here on the 'Wall but I will miss his insightful posts that in some way helped us all. Across the hills and far away, travel on Jim.

Went for a walk with Jim this evening; 5 outta 6 into 16” from about a Fetrow...

Always appreciated his contributions here, and missed him when he was no longer posting much. Developed a sound respect for him along the way. May he now rest in peace; wishing his family well.

"Went for a walk with Jim this evening; 5 outta 6 into 16” from about a Fetrow"

Yeah, I frequently set a target up at about a Fetrow. I really think it should be codified as a unit of archery distance ;-)

Well my "Fetrow" distance for the past two days has been what it's always been downstairs in my basement/garage indoor practice space.

Can't quite "walk" with him- but, since the news I have spent an inordinate time down there- just shooting, and shooting... and shooting some more. In a trance, almost.

Maybe it's a way to honor him, keep it all going. Don't want to stop.

So sorry to hear this, i also really enjoyed his posts. now i know why i always liked him even though i never met him, he's a fellow pipe guy. Dan

Jim was one heck of a flintknapper. I would have loved to sat with and taken some lessons. He will be missed.

May God Bless You Jim.

Such a nice person. He will be missed by all. God bless

Good man and always took time to respond for questions. Lord's Peace to him and his family and supporters

Dan - if you’re shooting, it’s all good! I’m sure Jim would approve.... as long as you’re enjoying yourself.

But FWIW, a Fetrow (IMO) is about Jim’s Point On - 65 or 70, though I wouldn’t argue with defining it as anything at or above POD for the shooter in question at the time, provided he/she is shooting Split-finger. Iktomi is about as precise about it as I am - “twice what any Mere Mortal would attempt” on game.

Either way, if you never miss a good 4 feet high or low, you’re just not even trying....

Not that anyone is suggesting that any Mere Mortals should even TOY with the idea of taking a shot like that on anything that’ll bleed...

Yeah, my distance for shooting at game is about 1/2 a Fetrow :-)

Very sad to hear. Rest in peace my friend! Prayer for his family.

Very sad news. Prayers for his family.

Prayers to his family.

Rest in peace, Dire Wolf.

Good men should always be missed.........and celebrated.

RIP, Mans man.

Prayers sent for the family.

Sad to hear. His posts were ones I used to look for in threads over the years especially way back when he used to go by the handle Jim in Oregon. Well respected and will be missed.....rip. Regards

Rest in peace

Prayers from WA

Very sad news. His family will be in my prayers. Cool name

RIP Jim. Condolences to family and friends.

RIP Jim. thoughts for him and his family

Prayers for the family. Got a kick out of Jim.

RIP Jim, a spirit for the ages, a helluva MAN! Wyatt

RIP Jim, your insight to the care, selection and taking of bow wood, particular Pacific Yew shows the passion that you had and respect for the tree as well as the bowyers that came before you will always have a lasting effect on me. God bless you and your family. Bob W.

Sad news. Enjoyed his threads and comments. Again, a good friend I never met.

Sad news but glad he found peace. I was actually thinking how he was and I've been so busy at work I haven't visited the leatherwall in awhile.

May he Rest in Peace.

Jim's obituary

http://obits.oregonlive.com/obituaries/oregon/obituary.aspx? n=james-alan-fetrow&pid=190345748

TTT, for Old Time’s sake....

Sorry hear about his passing.

Prayers for family and rest in peace!

RIP Jim, you will be missed.

Sympathy and prayers sent from Buffalo,NY...DaveP

It saddens me that I may never meet most of you in person, but gladdens me that I have spent time with you via this forum. 'Dire Wolf' lived far away and yet he was close to us all. May we find our way to his campfire when the time comes.

Peace be with you Jim and family.

Prayers for him and the family

I cannot say it any better than Larry Hatfield did.

DDave

James Maloney from New Jersey/Ireland is the real Navan-James.

I have done business with James in the past and he is a good guy. He has not been active on this site for a while. I tried to alert him yesterday that it appeared as though someone was trying to use his leatherwall history by using a similar "handle" and his name.

When searching a handle history, you need to carefully compare the handle and the actual name of the user to validate the true history of the handle. There may be four different individuals that have used the same handle in the past and all will show on the handle history search. Additionally, other handles similar to the handle you are researching often come up when you do the search. So you have to actually open the post history and verify the user AND the handle.

A little caution and research can go a long way.

Sorry guys. I posted this on the wrong thread.

Prayers sent

prayers sent

So sad to hear God bless and rest in peace. Osr

My sincere condolences to his Family.

My sincere condolences to his Family.

Nice to re-read the tributes to Dire Wolf on this thread, even though it was accidentally brought up. He was a good fellow…

Reminds me of what a great place the LW used to be, before the present collection of witless trolls and their sycophant gasbags emerged.

Jim was a wonderful man, his knowledge of wood and it's preparation for bow making was encyclopedic. He was respected by his peers around the world.

He will be missed.

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