by Linda Shanahan
Appeared in the Sun Lakes “Splash:, October 2020

Jim Marquis was born in Flagstaff and spent most of his childhood and teenage years around that area graduating from Flagstaff High in 1965. He enlisted in the army in 1966 where he attended airborne school making a total of ten jumps, one in the providence of Kom Tum. He served in Viet Nam with the 101st Airborne then on to Ft. Bragg to finish his 3 years. Jim moved to Page AZ for an apprenticeship with the Bureau of Reclamation as a Power Plant Mechanic. His position involved maintenance and repair of mechanical equipment (turbines, pumps, air handlers, rotors, cranes etc.) and all other mechanical equipment associated with the installation and repair at Glen Canton Dam. Later he was promoted to the Mechanical Supervisor position.

Horses created using Lost Wax technique in ancient bronze by Jim Marquis.

After retiring in 2008 he moved to Sun Lakes where he became involved with the Sun Lakes Rock Gem and Silver Club. He has served as a valuable member of the club teaching Lost Wax which he truly enjoys. This art form which starts with wax and ends with a metal jewelry piece involves a few steps but Jim says “If I can learn them then I am certain anyone can. Being a member of this club has been a positive experience for me and I look forward to teaching more classes and creating more projects at our three shops in Sun Lakes. My lovely wife Patty (the clubs raffle coordinator) and I hope to continue doing our part to promote the club. We have met some very artistic people involved in this group and encourage anyone who is interested to join and discover their inner artist.”

A big thank you to Jim for his commitment and dedication to the club.

LOST WAX? What’s that all about?
​Jimmy can tell you without a doubt
Can’t use a cell phone or even a fax
But this man can tell you all about wax
This man’s a genius he really does know
How to form wax and then make it flow
First out of wax you form what you choose
Sprue up that artwork, be sure not to snooze
Invest that wax pattern to form a nice mold
Now melt out the wax, it’s hot please don’t hold
Force in hot metal this is called casting
Clean glitches and sprue, your piece will be lasting
You’ll finish and polish your friends they will say
“You did it yourself?” No way! Oh no way.