With many tears and much sadness, we share the news that Jim was diagnosed with ALS in February 2023,
and passed away in early October 2023. He was 64 ...
Jim had a true passion for model ship-building. For many years he had done extensive research on
the U.S.S. Constitution and was in the final phase of completing his scratch build of the Constitution
as it was originally launched in 1797. In 2002 he and I formed Model Machines LLC. People using
Jim's machines included builders of model ships, railroads, doll houses, doll house furniture, pen turners, segmented
bowls -- even architects. In recent years guitar, harp and violin makers were added to this list.
Jim was a remarkable craftsman and was always ready to help and mentor others, many of whom soon became
his very good friends. Jim had close ties with both the Model Ship World and Nautical Research Guild
organizations, and attended conferences throughout the U.S. for 20 years ... he developed many long
friendships within these organizations.
Jim was a humble, quiet man who was deeply loved and will be missed by so many. Our hearts - as family,
as co-workers, as woodworkers, as friends - are broken. For the moment, we are uncertain about the
future of Byrnes Model Machines - but we're working on it, and hope to have an announcement in the
next few weeks.
This is a time of sadness and introspection for us ...we truly appreciate your business, support and
friendship over the years - we thank you for your patience and understanding.