Jim Underwood Master Stonemason, Gardener, Climber, and Friend 1943 - 2007

Jim is our neighbor, climbing partner, caving buddy, teacher, mentor, and close friend. He is an experimental builder and avid proponent of drystone construction. He has summited many of the world's great mountains. He was an early member of The Mountain Institute and a principal architect of the Spruce Mountain Center. He served as an active member of the Pendleton County Rescue Squad and was a founding member of the Pendleton County Tactical Skills Team, our local technical rescue group.

There is no word that easily describes Jim's accomplishments in life. He continually amazed us with his endless enthusiasm and boundless knowledge, inventiveness, and practicality. Given a seed, he grew a garden. Finding a stone, he built a home. Handed a branch, he crafted art. Pointed to a stranger, he found friendship. Shown a bare mountaintop, he fostered community. And left with just a short time, he demanded more, and gave all of us the opportunity we needed to linger on his porch and feel close once more. He walked softly and purposefully throughout his humble life, but the shadow he cast was long, and from his home here in Franklin, to the American Southwest, to the Peruvian Altiplano and the Kathmandu Valley, he will be missed.

CMI will be open our normal hours this week, but the hours of individual office staff may vary. We thank you for your patience as we pause to celebrate the life of a great friend.