James D. Secrest, 87, died May 29, 2009. Jim was born in Muncie, Ind., in the planting season of 1921.

After attending Ball State University, Jim left for art school in Philadelphia with the his father gave to him at the train station.

After serving as an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps Jim continued his education, and graduated in 1950 from Alfred University in New York State with a Master of Fine Arts degree in ceramics.

Jim went on to teach ceramics for several years at Rochester Institute of Technology, and, in partnership with his brother Phil, built and operated a ceramic studio in western New York. Jim's extraordinary sense of design and sensitivity to form earned him national recognition that extended through the making of pots to the designing of large commissioned murals and eventually to the building of churches and libraries — a true American craftsman.

In 1973 Jim moved to Somers to begin a new life, one of fishing and hunting and living off the land.

His life in Somers completed a full circle journey, beginning with the summers he spent as a child on his grandfather's farm and ending with his final vocation as a hunter and food gatherer. His greatest passion was gardening, allowing him to supply his family and friends with organic produce from summer until late fall when he immersed himself in canning and freezing, sausage making, as well as the drying of fruit from his orchard.

Jim was preceded in death by his brother, Donald.

He is survived by his brothers, Phil and Russell; and children, Peter, David, Jess, Gretchen, Chris and Stephan; and nine grandchildren.

As a blue-eyed storyteller, builder of churches and gardens, hunter of elk and wild mushroom and a fisher of salmon, this man of 87 kept his feet on the ground and hands in the earth.

To celebrate Jim's life, a potluck will be held at his house in Somers at noon, June 21.