John Mark Wilson
John Mark Wilson, well-known craftsman and founder of the Home Shop in Charlotte, Michigan, died peacefully at his home surrounded by loving family on February 27, 2023. Born June 2, 1939, John was the youngest of four children. His father, William Dexter Wilson (1889 – 1968), graduated from Syracuse University Engineering school in 1912, served as a Captain in the anti-aircraft artillery in Paris in WWI, and married Christine Keith Ross (1899 – 1974) in 1925. John’s siblings are his two brothers, William Dexter (1927 – 1985) and Alexander Ross (1929 – 2012), and his sister, Christina Keith Wilson Adams (1936 - ___).
As a young man, John earned the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts, and was on the staff of Askononta Explorers Camp, in Lake Placid, New York. He graduated from Nottingham High in 1958 and attended Carleton College, graduating in in 1962 with a BA degree in Sociology. John continued his studies at London University, England, where he earned a Master in Social Anthropology in 1964.
Following graduate school, John taught Anthropology, first at Purdue University, then Michigan State University, then for five years at Albion (Michigan) College. In his anthropological research, John studied commercial fishermen in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. As John often said later in life, he was fortunate that he never finished his PhD dissertation, for when the door to university teaching closed, the door to a new career opened.
Career as craftsman
Earlier, while in college, John had worked summers as a carpenter in residential construction. This was in the days before specialization in the construction trades, at a time when a builder took the building home from foundation to paint, giving him experience in all aspects of the trade. Using the skills and knowledge he had gained as a carpenter during those years, John became a licensed remodeling contractor in Charlotte, Michigan.
By 1977 he knew it was not general carpentry he loved, but the craft of woodworking. He started teaching woodworking at Lansing Community College (LCC). The college encouraged teachers to follow their interests and design new courses. John started classes in Shaker Furniture and Boat Building as well as general woodworking and taught at LCC for the next 23 years.
His teaching job at LCC allowed him plenty of free time to work on what would later become his own woodworking shop. In 1988, he finished the building and established the Home Shop business. Over the next thirty years, John partnered with John Kellogg (now retired) and Eric Pintar to provide materials, instruction, manuals, classes, and support to the many craftspeople who shared their interest in the historic craft of making Shaker oval boxes. The Home Shop takes the wood for bending from log to final dimension, makes the required forms and jigs needed for shaping the pieces, and produces the copper tacks on original machines, circa 1860, obtained from the now closed Cross Nail Co.
In addition to running his woodworking business and teaching, the third strand of John’s life work was writing. He credited the tutorial class structure at London’s School of Oriental and African Studies with sparking his interest in writing. Required to write a five-page paper on a new topic in anthropology every Tuesday and Friday for the whole school year, “I began to see the whole world in this framework: defining – development – conclusion,” he said. Over the years he published over sixty articles in Working Wood (England), Adirondack Magazine, Workbench, School Shop, The Shaker Messenger, Woodworkers Journal, The Crafts Reports, Small Boat Journal, Wood News, The Shaker Quarterly, Fine Woodworking, Messing About in Boats, The Ash Breeze, and Wooden Boat.
His association with Popular Woodworking was particularly fortunate. Beginning in 2003, when the magazine published his first cover story, “Building Shaker Oval Boxes,” Popular Woodworking featured many pieces John wrote. The journal had an ideal format for combining photos, drawings, and ample space, making the publication an effective forum for his work.
John authored and published four books that have been widely acclaimed. Chris Bagbee of Highland Woodworking News wrote of Making Wood Tools, “Wilson brings us what may be both the most beautiful book of the year as well as the most useful.” This book was also a gold star winner with the Non-Fiction Writers Association. Later, John published the Shaker Oval Box trilogy (2014, 2017, 2019). Other writings included “Your Own Woodworkers Bench” (1997), “Building Sailor Girl” (2004) -- the design that won an award from Wooden Boat Magazine for new small craft suitable for a family boatbuilding weekend event -- and “Skaneateles Skiff No. 5” (2005) documenting the rowing boat from his childhood on Otisco Lake and is now included in the Howard Chapell collection of American Small Craft at the Smithsonian.
In 2014, the PBS network produced an episode of their series “Craftsmen’s Legacy” featuring John. It was titled “The Woodworker.” John’s own legacy as a craftsman includes not only the beautiful and useful objects he has created and helped others create and enjoy over the years, but also the inspiration he has shared with so many others in his wonderful books.
Family
John met his first wife Abigail McLean Brown (1940 - ) in high school. They were married in 1962 in Montreal, Canada, where she graduated from McGill University. During their twenty-year marriage they had two sons, David Reynolds (1964- ) and Andrew Ross (1966 -). David retired from an engineering career in 2021 and lives in Michigan with wife, Denise, and their twin daughters, Merle and Veronica (2004- ), who are both students at Michigan Technological University. Andrew heads a consulting firm he founded in Florence, Italy, specializing in international tax law. He lives there with his two daughters Sofia (2005 -) and Diana (2007- ).
John met Sally King (1961 - ) in 1985 while John was teaching at LCC. They grew to be devoted soulmates and married in 1988, raising their children in Charlotte. After receiving her MD degree in family practice from Michigan State University and completing her residency at St. Lawrence and Sparrow Hospitals, Sally practiced medicine in Charlotte until her retirement in 2015. John and Sally had two children: Molly Christina (1994 -) and William Dexter (2000 - ). Molly graduated from the University of Michigan, served in the Peace Corps in Tanzania, and is pursuing a medical degree at Wayne State University. William is a junior at the MSU College of Engineering pursuing a degree in Computer Science.
Child of God
Above all, John considered himself a child of God. He grew up in the Episcopal Church and explored many different denominations as an adult. He believed that all worship the same God who is alive and well and knows his name. His was a very personal relationship to God and his Redeemer Jesus Christ. He lived by faith every day, believed the universe was a friendly place, and had an incredible number of friends. John was very engaged in his community of Charlotte, where he lived and worked for most of his lifetime. He generously contributed his time and talent to many organizations, including the Boy Scouts, the local food bank, and Crop Walk. John was also involved in the activities of his church, St. John’s Episcopal Church, where he served as a lay preacher. He loved to repeat the old chestnut, “God has no grandchildren, only sons and daughters.”
Memorial
A memorial service to celebrate John’s life will take place at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 201 W. Shepherd, Charlotte, Michigan, on March 4, at 11am. All family and friends are welcome to attend. A luncheon will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, those interested in honoring John are invited to make a donation to St. John’s Episcopal Church or the Eaton Clothing and Furniture Center, links available at www.mykeeper.com/profile/JohnMWilson/.
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About |
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| Name | John Mark Wilson |
| Date of Birth | June 2nd, 1939 |
| Date of Death | January 27th, 2023 |
| Home Town | Syracuse, NY, US |
| Other City | Charlotte, MI, US |
| In Memoriam Donation | St. John's Episcopal Church, Charlotte, Michigan |
| In Memoriam Donation | Eaton Clothing & Furniture Center, Charlotte, Michigan |
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Family |
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| Significant Other | Sally King Wilson |
| Siblings | Alexander Ross Wilson, Christina Keith Wilson Adams, William Dexter Wilson II |
| Parents | Christine Keith Ross Wilson, William Dexter Wilson |
| Children | Andrew Ross Wilson, David Reynolds Wilson, Molly Christina Wilson, William Dexter Wilson |
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Milestones |
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| 1988 - 2023 | Box Maker, The Home Shop | ||
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published a tribute .
I only met Mr. Wilson a few times. I was a school friend of his son, Andrew (Drew). I was amazed at his craftmanship with woodworking. So sorry to hear of his passing.
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published a tribute .
I took one of John’s classes 10 years ago. He was an excellent instructor and such a nice man. I am so appreciative to have met John. I’m still making shaker oval boxes. Sending sincere condolences.
Anthony Petro from
Mentor, Ohio
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published a tribute .
I never met John but have been buying supplies from him for almost 40 years. Talked with him a number of times on the phone and remember how proud he was when his daughter was born. I learned the craft of box making at the Hancock Shaker Village, but he was certainly an inspiration to me over the years. I will miss him!
Shawn Smith
Kensington, NH
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published a tribute .
I'm very saddened to hear of the passing of John. The first time I called the workshop to order supplies he was more interested in knowing about me than just making a list of things I needed. When he found out I was from Syracuse the conversation was wonderful. He was very patient and encouraging to me. His way of doing business isn't around anymore. Everytime I called the workshop they were very helpful. He helped me begin a hobby that I have now passed on to my son. I will miss him.
Tom Karr
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published a tribute .
Hello.
I am a woodworker from Scotland and was inspired by a list to Hancock shaker village some years ago. I have been making shaker style oval boxes for some time and I can say that through the internet and resources on Shakerovalbox.com John Wilson taught me everything I know about oval boxes. I'd love to have met him.
Amazing we can learn from someone thousands of miles away we've never met.
I hope the business keeps going as I've been trying to order supplies for some time and there's no replies to my emails. Could anyone here help me make contact?
Condolences to everyone who knew and worked with Mr Wilson.
IainMoffatWoodwork
published a comment .
I became a box maker having learned from his materials and resources.
He had his impact here in England also. My condolences to all his family and friends.
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published a tribute .
Very sad to hear of John's passing. Our condolences to the Wilson family. Beyond his family, he leaves a wonder legacy of box making, tool making, book writing, teaching, an inspiration for all to follow.
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published a tribute .
I am truly saddened to hear of the passing of John Wilson.
I'm a retired woodworking teacher from Pennsylvania. During my career John offered ideas and provided supplies for many of my classes.
He encouraged my students and over the years we have build thousands of shaker boxes and carriers.
I offer condolences to Johns Family and will keep them in our prayers. God Bless.
Respectfully
David P. Hopfer
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published a tribute .
John Wilson not only taught box making, but more importantly he taught people how to treat each other in a day when we are in need of that lesson more than ever. I am so grateful of my association with John and so thankful that he was able to accomplish his goals of preserving Shaker Box making for future generations. He was a friend that will truly be missed by me and everyone he was associated with throughout the years. A truly good man.
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published a tribute .
I am so sorry to hear of Joh's passing but I know that a part of him will continue to live on through the knowledge that he has passed on to the vast number of people who love to have and make shaker boxes.
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published a tribute .
It is hard to spell out the qualities of a gentleman ... teacher, friend, guide, passionate artisan, listener, a trusting soul who endeavored to see good in everyone.
The trait I admired most was his ability to invite everyone he met to become a better version of themselves, freely giving of his knowledge and spirit.
I, for one, consider myself a better person for being able to walk with him for a short time.
published a comment .
I ordered one standard set of boxes from John that I haven't assembled yet, so doing so will be a tribute to him as well. I caught John & Tom McLaughlin on TV a couple of times actually working on assembling a box and viewed those all the way through, with John making it look so easy. I'll try and emulate that this summer when I work on the box set. I'm glad that John has left us with a great Legacy. I'm sure his family, friends, and coworkers will greatly miss him. You have my condolences.
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published a tribute .
I, like many, had the honor to learn from the Master. There is something about handcrafted "works of art" that just makes a person feel good. John was such a wonderful teacher allowing for my Shaker Oval Box skills and techniques to grow. Another thing that John made me aware of is that all handcrafted items are unique and are an example of craftsman's love to share. Thank you John and Eric.
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published a tribute .
Mine are not as tall or as wonderful as John’s, but he did instill in me the desire to make every piece as good as I could. His inspiration has made me a better crafts person and individual. Gods speed John, thank you for being the person you were.
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published a tribute .
So sorry to hear of Mr Wilson's passing. As an amateur box maker I had always felt part of something special when I received a personal note from Mr Wilson. We are honored and blessed to have had John in this world.
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published a tribute .
I was deeply saddened to learn that John has passed away. My connection with John was brief but as can so often be the case, that brief connection was memorable and made a significant and valuable difference in my life. I was lucky enough to get to personally meet and learn first hand from John the art and craft of Shaker box making. This experience was enhanced by where the box making classes took place, as it were for me, back in October of 1999 at Shaker Village Of Pleasant Hill in Harrodsburg, KY. I can't express in words what wonderful memories I have of that experience of learning to make Shaker boxes in the autumn of the year in a such a beautiful and serene place as Shaker Village. The weather was great autumn weather as it often is in Kentucky in October and learning the craft of box making from a man as skilled and dedicated to his craft as was John. It made for an overall wonderful experience that I'll never forget. John is one of the rare and wonderful people that truly does make the world a better place. I echo what Mr. Frank Campbell said in a previous post when he said most would agree John had a life well lived and an inspiration to thousands. It doesn't get any better than that. I too wish to extend my condolences to John's family.
published a comment .
John absolutely was the most thoughtful woodworker, and friend that I could possibly know. Every conversation was fashioned to figure out ways to make life better. For everyone. What a great spirit♥️
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published a tribute .
I think it's rare in life for any of us to be able to say we found our true calling when it comes to a career. Jonh certainly found his. He was a great inspiration to thousands of people who had an interest in the Shaker Oval box craft . He was certainly an inspiration to me. My heart goes out to his family and friends. I think most would agree that John had a life well lived. Rest in peace....
published a comment .
I had the incredible privilege of taking one of the last classes that John taught in April of 2022, and then stopped by the Home Shop on my way driving back to Texas in late October of 2022. It was nice to chat with him again and I will always cherish the time we spent together. He was truly an incredible man with a wealth of information that one rarely finds in an individual nowadays. His dedication to the craft of Shaker Oval Box making has in my mind been beneficial in keeping this craft alive and well in the United States as well as abroad. He and his wisdom will truly be missed. Sending prayers to you all from El Paso, Texas. Be well.
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published a tribute .
John was an enormously talented, skilled and insatiably curious man. But I remember him primarily as a kind, generous and trusting human being. He lived and practiced his faith deeply without ever preaching, in a way that most of us won't ever know..
Because he believed that knowledge should be shared, we are all richer and wiser for having known him. I owe him much for the development of my craft and regret I will never take a class from him in person.
The world is a better place because he passed this way.
Godspeed John
Dear Jim,
First of all, thanks for sharing the picture. The box in the center has a Maple top, right?
You are absolutely right. My father shared all of his knowledge, there never was a "trade secret."
Thank you, the Wilson family.
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published a tribute .
I had the great fortune to have taken a class from John and The Home Shop in Charlotte in the late 2000s. I purchased a bunch of supplies and my fiancé surprised me with a water tank and other supplies. Married and starting a family soon after put the projects on the back burner but about 3 years ago I picked it up and have made several boxes, trays, carriers, etc. I felt so blessed then to have had the opportunity to learn from a true craftsman master (certainly an "endangered species").
Many calls to John found what many have said - he was gracious, kind, genuinely enthusiastic and curious about your projects/challenges, and with an authentic desire to share knowledge and experience in any way possible. I told him that I made the 000 box that my daughter uses as to hold her childhood teeth putting them under her pillow that night. I could feel smile through the phone as yet another person found a special use for such crafts. Like many, they make wonderful gifts that bring joy and amazement - my response is always, "you think these are nice, you should see the ones the fellow who taught me make!" Then of course the recounting and telling of the HomeShop story and resurrection of shaker craft.
John, was so helpful when I told him that I was adapting the crown box process to make what was called "cheesebox" canteen common in the later 18th and early 19th Century. He was so pleased to hear of this adaptation, worked with me on the various side thicknesses, etc. He wanted to see pictures and I mailed him (of course - smile - I have a copy of all the letters between us.) to him. What a superior human being - we have lost a genuine master and good person, but his beacon lives on in every tack applied, every hot hand pulling out a band, and proud moment of completion.
Eric has been mentored well (how lucky) as he has been equally gracious and enthusiastic during calls and please for help! THANK YOU to the family and ERIC for keeping not only the supplies, knowledge, and sill alive, but the memory of a man that touched that secret place of awe in so many of us.
Brian
Hi Brian. Wonderful thoughts. And all of us are extremely fortunate to have Eric to carry the torch!! He has been with my father for 30 years and knows all the ins and outs.
Eric has all of the support of our family in this hard time and there is no doubt Eric will keep the same spirit as John (my father).
Thanks for sharing.
The Wilson family.
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published a tribute .
I know John as a selfless teacher of Shaker wood bending and box making. He shared everything he know with his students. I have read his books many times and am still learning from him. There is no greater tribute to a teacher than their sharing of talents and skills so that the art and science will not perish. I know there are many students of his, like me , who will miss him very much. But we’ll also think of him every time we heat and bend and make a shaker box.
Dear Floyd. Wood bending is not easy, as you know. You need the heating tray, right temperature, and, importantly, the right wood.
I'll share this memory with you and everyone else. Years ago we were cleaning out some old stuff in the shop and we came across the "first try" my father did to bend for a box. It was a disaster, broken, wood not thin enough, etc. And I said to him, "hey, this is great, this is where it started, you should keep it."
And he proceeded to threw it on the burn pile!!!!
A perfectionist.
Thanks, even in sad moments some funny memories can come through.
Thanks for your kind words.
Andrew Wilson
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published a tribute .
What I know of Shaker box building I learned through the enduring words and photos from John Wilson. His work exuded a sense of simplicity and generosity sorely needed. Like all great souls, his passing leaves a hole in our World. Rest well.
Dear Bradley. I can tell you that my father's motto was "keep it simple." Thanks for your kind words.
The Wilson family.
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published a tribute .
Every year I try to have a recent positive answer to the question "When was the last time you did something for the first time?" In 2003 I came across an article by John in Popular Woodworking and decided that making some Shaker oval boxes would be the answer that year. I have been making variations on boxes, along with clocks and furniture ever since as my workshop grew. Now that I am down-sizing, I have kept enough tools and space to continue making boxes. I can see from all of the comments that John had a huge impact on people's lives; I hope that helps to support the family during these difficult times and in the days ahead.
Dear Bill. Beautiful boxes. Cherry was my father's favorite and he would be proud of your work. Thanks for sharing.
The Wilson family.
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published a tribute .
I want to send my condolences to the family of John Wilson. I never met John but talked to him many times on the phone ordering parts for Shaker boxes. I took the class "Making Shaker Oval Boxes" at Peter's Valley Craft Center Layton NJ Aug.30-Sept.1 2002. John Kellogg was the Instructor. I'm still making boxes to this day with over 300 and counting. That's me on the left.
Dear Harry. Thanks for your kind words and for sharing the picture.
The Wilson family.
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published a tribute .
Back in '09 I took a one-year job assignment in Charlotte, MI. Very soon after I got there I happened to read a John Wilson article in Wooden Boat magazine and noticed in the bio that he lived two miles away! It was after supper, but I took a cedar strip canoe to the Home Shop with the hope of meeting him. Uninvited and unannounced! He was warm and interested in spite of my poor introduction.
From then on we would eat lunch together, every week or two, my brown bag and his leftovers. We talked mainly small boats and their design and construction, but we also talked philosophy, science, raising children, and politics. These conversations were so special that I still remember them 13 years later. John was warm, thoughtful, curious, wise, informed, etc., all special qualities. Above and beyond that, John was willing, even eager, to look at things from new angles. He was not done growing. Thank you John for those lunch hours and for your wonderful example that lives on.
And yes, I took the Shaker oval box class and made a few sets of boxes, a nice physical reminder that I see every day.
Dear David. Thank you for sharing. I am, however, jealous (in a good way) because I have been living in Italy for 25 years and have very few chances to share a meal with him.
For my father, other than sharing box making, boat building, and anything challenging, he loved to share a meal.
Thank you from the Wilson family.
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published a tribute .
I first ran across John's website in the late 90s and decided to make a few Shaker oval boxes. Since that time I have taught that craft (in my own flawed way) to dozens of boys in my Boy Scout troops and church youth groups. He would have loved to see the delight in their eyes as they built something real and learned about the Old Ways.
John's dedication to his craft showed in his writing, his business, and his dedication to the traditions of those he admired. I am better for having known him a little.
Thanks Mark. Sharing the craft is exactly what my father loved. And for sharing with Scouts he would have been really happy - he was, after all, an Eagle Scout.
Thank you from the Wilson family.
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published a tribute .
One of my bucket lists was to take a class from John. I did so in October 2019. Even though lay eyes prevented me from doing some of the cutting, John was very happy to help. It was a great class and this is one of the photos I took and also my favorite one of John. Thanks John for a great memory.
Thanks for sharing this great photo! We really appreciate your kind thoughts - as well as those from everyone else. Thank you. The Wilson family.
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published a tribute .
I was sad to hear of John's passing. What a gentle man and a true gentleman in addition to being a wonderful craftsman and teacher. You could tell immediately that he loved what he was doing. I took a class from him many years ago here in West Virginia. I believe it was the only time he came here. I've made many shaker items over the years as gifts to family and friends who've said they cherish these handmade gifts. I am blessed to have met John. May he rest eternally in peace. Thoughts and prayers to Mary and his children.
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published a tribute .
Prayers for the Wilson family. I was one of John’s students at Shaker Village in Harrodsburg, KY. John was such a great teacher, and of course a great supplier of Shaker Box supplies. He was the greatest box maker in the country. Blessed to have worked with him. Rest in Peace John.
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I would also add that managing this site for me is very difficult. How much I would like to call and hear him answer "Homeshop," He had the same time for me that he gave to all of you..... I really miss my dad... I really wish I could call and he would answer...
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I would like to share that our family has been really touched by the donations from all of you. Thanks from the Wilson family.
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published a tribute .
Just recently I corresponded with John regarding how his research and writing in "Shaker Oval Boxes, Volume 3" has helped me immensely as I interpret Shaker life during demonstrations in the Brethren's Shop at Hancock Shaker Village. John's deep understanding of how a piece of wood is not merely that, but a gift provided to us by God to shape into something beautiful and practical, is the point I wish observers to understand. His kindness showed through the telephone line as I placed an order was obvious. (Of course he wanted to catch up on all happenings in Hancock and my former town of Old Chatham, which he had visited many years earlier.) John answered my letter by providing me with the prayer I am sharing as a photo. It will always be a precious item for me. Bless you John. My deepest condolences to the Wilson Family and Right Hand Man, Eric Pintar.
Thank you Bob from our family. Especially for sharing the prayer, which I didn't know about until you shared. Thank you!
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Over the years my father gifted me and my siblings with many of his handcrafted Shaker works, and not only boxes! These are cherished, and were cherished when gifted. They will be passed on to our children.
For me, probably the most treasured possession from my father’s side of the family is this picture, which I wanted to share.
It is a copy of an advisement for Nucoa margarine that appeared in Life magazine in 1940 or 1941.
The back story is that a friend of my grandfather was in advertising and wanted a “wholesome family” for the ad. The photo shoot was taken in my grandparent’s house in Syracuse, New York.
There is my grandmother, Christy, with my dad on her lap and my aunt Chris, the cute little girl, next to her. On the other side is my grandfather, Dex, and my two uncles Bill and Alex behind him.
My father lived up to and beyond “wholesome.” He shared his craft freely. There were no trade secrets. He sent out orders with an invoice to be paid upon receipt of the supplies. He valued spending his time with other craft persons more than making money. Anyone who was lucky enough to have dealt with him knows this.
Thanks to all of you that have posted, for me and my family. I have been amazed by the pictures of your work and please share more.
Dad, I miss you.
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published a tribute .
John has left an enduring imprint on my life. I learned how to make Shaker boxes from his articles, and through conversations with him and Eric. He was always generous with advice and perspective. Although I have a very small shop, I make boxes for friends and family. Every time I start the process, I think of John, his advice, and his quiet passion and drive for excellence. I feel lucky to have interacted with him.
published a comment .
John's legacy is the knowledge and generousity of craft he perpetuated. I am thankful and truly feel blessed.
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published a tribute .
So sorry to learn of John's passing. I attended a weekend workshop taught by John in 1994 at Highland Woodworking in Atlanta, GA. What a pleasure it was to get to know John and learn the craft of shaker box making. I continue to make boxes to this day, and I am blessed to have known John.
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published a tribute .
I was saddened to hear of John's passing. I spoke with John several times within the last six years when ordering supplies or seeking knowledge on shaker box building. Although I never had the pleasure of meeting him in person, his warmth of personality came through in our phone conversations. He was generous with his time and his love of the craft was infectious. I will always remember his kindness.
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published a tribute .
With sadness I received you letter today. John was an inspiration for my box building.
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published a tribute .
It was my misfortune for never having taken a class from John. However, he was so very helpful and inspirational answering questions and obtaining supplies for me. Thank you John.
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published a tribute .
It is with so much sadness that I read your announcement of John's passing. I was truly blessed to have known John and benefitted from his teaching and inspiration. John was a teacher and gentleman of the highest order and brought joy to so many people. It is heartening to know that Eric will continue John's legacy and to continue to provide the same instruction and friendship that John provided to us all.
Rest in Peace my friend
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Hello to all of those who had the honor to know John. I did not meet John in person, rather I had many phone conversations with him, and what a gentleman. One day while reading a book, I found a photo of John, he was seated at a bench describing the instructions for making oval boxes. I grabbed a yellow marker and highlighted each point of the process. This was in early 1973, since then John has been a friend, helper, provider and gentleman. Rest in peace my friend.
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published a tribute .
I learned to craft these wonderful boxes from written material I got from John back in 1992. With John's help and guidance I have been able to expand and create other forms and sizes using all the techniques taught to me by John and to this day I can be seen at various craft fairs demonstrating the box making craft John taught me. I will miss talking to John very much. May he rest in peace and I will look for him when I get there.
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published a tribute .
I attended. John's box making class in Atlanta in 1990. I have enjoyed making boxes for family and friends for the last 33 years. Thanks John.
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published a tribute .
I was very privileged to attend one of John's classes at The Home Shop several years ago, and I prize the trio of books on Shaker Boxes, each signed by him. He was a great teacher and a wonderful man. Condolences and prayers to the family.
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I had the privilege of learning boxmaking from John at a weekend class at Pleasant Hill Shaker Village in Kentucky in the 90’s. I have since continued to build many boxes and carriers for family and friends. In fact, I have several in the works now and I am about to tackle my first #8 box soon! He was a good and patient teacher and more importantly, he was not a perfectionist. If a mistake happened, he was very practical about making the best of the situation.
Just about 4 years ago, I made a pilgrimage to the Home Shop for a Crown Box class where I also met Eric. I have many fond memories associated with boxmaking and hope to continue the craft for as long as I am physically able. My sympathy to John’s family and friends.
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I did not have the privilege of meeting John in person but had the pleasure of knowing him through his craft which I learned from my Dad who did meet John through is classes and through The Home Shop which has supplied my Dad with the supplies to spread this craft to hundreds through the John C Campbell Folk School classes on Shaker Box making. I had the pleasure of speaking with John during a call to order supplies for my own box making and he talked fondly of his days on Skaneateles Lake and other finger lakes in central NY where I live now. He will be missed by many but his legacy will live on.
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published a tribute .
John was a friend of mine. We only met in Michigan for a couple classes, but he encouraged me to continue the tradition by my offering free workshops to my woodworking club in TN. When I had a question I couldn't answer I spoke to John and he always had my answer. He (and Eric) are responsible for dozens of boxes we made around middle TN. . .We spoke a lot on the phone and I deeply appreciated his love of this boxmaking craft. He sent me a signed copy of Boxmaking II a couple months ago. . .I heard the news of his passing today and I'm so sad for the loss felt by so many. I'm very glad Eric will carry on this legacy.
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My family was blessed to know John through my work relationship with Sally. We remember John as a loving, caring, sharing soul. Our condolences to the Wilson family. We wish we could attend the memorial service and are proud to donate to the St John's Episcopal Church.
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To John's family, fellow workers and all close friends. It saddened me to find out about John. I was in his class the very first time he came to Midland and spent the weekend teaching making Shaker boxes. Reminiscing about that workshop puts a smile on my face because he always had a smile on his.. That's how I want to remember John Wilson, smiling at you. Condolences and prayers to keep all close to John find peace and strength.
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My spouse and I took a box-making class from Eric Pintar, went home, ordered mold and veneer from John, amde jigs, and made boxes and trays. Thanks to John, we discovered the engineering possibilities inherent in simple things, like toothpicks. We made probably 200 boxes, following John's and Eric's instructions. We built, with many cries for help to John, "Sailor Girl", his little sailboat. "It will float", he would tell us confidently. And it did. We bought his Tool-making book and read it cover to cover. We extend our deepest condolences to John's family.
Kate Olgiati and Dory Rice.
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I'm sure that many of you will recognize this photo. My father made thousands of oval boxes in his lifetime, virtually all were made while teaching others how to make them.
In the early days of The Home Shop, however, he sometimes made boxes on commission for buyers (always signed and dated on the bottom) like the set in the photo.
This picture shows the largest nesting set of boxes he ever made, cherry bands and bird's eye maple (veneer) tops.
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Was so sorry to hear the passing of John Wilson. My first class with John was at the Benjamin Harrison Home in Indianapolis, In. (30’ some years ago) Also took 2 other classes from him in Michigan with my last class making the Shaker crown box. John was a true puritan and so happy to see Eric will carry on the craftsmanship and not let this craft die off. Thoughts and prayers to all the family. Jim McCauley
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published a tribute .
Thank You, John Wilson, for doing so much to preserve a true American craft.
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Richard Spencer, I met John Wilson, John and Eric while taking classes at Shaker Village in Kentucky. They were here more than once and I always tried to make it to those weekend classes.
I turn out to be a pretty good box maker. I did it for a hobby after retiring and still make boxes. John, John and Eric were always helpful when i would call with some strange issue i encountered. but John Wilson could always talk you through it. I love my boxes and over the years since 2006 I've made a great number of Boxes, Carriers, Trays and other boxes Thank you John! Rest in Peace our good and faithful servant.
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published a tribute .
I discovered John’s shop online a few years ago when I was thinking about making a set of Shaker Boxes for my annual Christmas project as gifts for family and friends. I studied John’s work and ordered the pattern, nails etc from John’s shop. I made 35 sets and would not have done so without John’s
work. He was the master.
It was an honor to follow his lead.
May he rest in peace.
Dan Griffith
Southport, NC
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So sorry. My dad enjoyed making these boxes for everyone in the family. He always said it was very comforting as he was making him. I know he went to one of Mr. Wilson's classes because I have all the molds for all the size boxes and all the instructions that he ever had. I'm sure right now those two are out there making boxes for everybody that needs them and those that even don't.
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published a comment .
Was saddened to hear of the passing of John. Never took a class and never met John, but when I called for parts to make my boxes it seemed like he was standing next to me taking the order. Was always so helpful and friendly.
I was shocked when I made my first order from him, that you paid once you received your order and not at the time you placed the order. Now that is a honest man.
Are prayers for John’s family.
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published a tribute .
I had the good fortune to have taken three classes with John and Eric. The first two at the NWA in Saratoga and the last at the Home Shop. John was a great teacher and human being and I will always cherish his friendship. Thank you to his family for their lending him to me to learn about his skills. I was proud to see him on TV several times. Peace be with him.
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