Well-known Wisconsin folk artist Jim Harpole passed away on July 4, 2013, in Woodruff, Wisconsin. A small collection of his works was on display at the funeral to honor his signature craft. Jim was laid to rest on July 12th at Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spooner, Wisconsin. Thank you to those who have expressed their sympathies and cherished his talent commemorated in each of his over 20,000 Shellscapes. He was a man of faith who served his country honorably in the United States Navy, was President of the Lakeland Gem Club and a gentle spirit loved by all.

To read more about Jim's life, please read his obituary.

View From a Pearl

People look at me for my beauty,
and yet very few know,
how my beauty comes from adversity,
and in this way I grow.

I am very much like a human,
my beauty comes from my soul.
The more I spend time with God and man,
the closer I come to my goal.

My goals are that of no other gem,
two goals I am appointed,
Reminding you how you are made.
and through your trials anointed.

And the second goal by him decreed
no higher goal attended
but to grace the pearly gates of heaven
for you in time unended.

-Jim Harpole