Amerigo Vespucci
Jim Roediger served in the U.S. Navy, and his many months at sea inspired a lifelong love of ships. He shared this passion with fellow residents at Masonic Village at Sewickley recently by displaying his model ships.
The first model he built was during his time in the service. In the midst of one of his patrols, he asked the captain if he could make a model of their ship, the USS Alexander Hamilton (SSBN617). Made from stainless steel, Jim’s model was about 12 inches long.
After retiring from the Navy, one of the hobbies he picked up was wood carving, and to expand upon this interest, he started building ships. The first was the HMS Beagle, which was Charles Darwin’s flag ship. The model took Jim about six months to complete.
“It is my favorite, as it has many different types of wood which gives it a beautiful appearance,” Jim said.
First Submarine
The second vessel Jim built is supposedly a model of the first submarine used in warfare. It was duplicated by the Russians and on display in Russia. After he completed it in about a month, Jim gave it to a friend. The third ship he completed was a model of the Italian training ship Amerigo Vespucci, which took him over a year.
“I did this one because I wanted to challenge myself, which was not a good idea,” Jim said. “It certainly was a challenge, as there were so many small parts that had to be made and painted. The instructions were very limited and, at times, created rework to take things apart, so something else could be installed. The rigging was the hardest as the plans were extremely limited. It was hard, but it finished nicely.”
He built all the models in his apartment, and fortunately, “My wife [Jill] was very tolerant of my hobby and encouraged it,” Jim said.
Woodworking plays a part in Jill and Jim’s love story.
HMS Beagle
They met at a carousel museum in Mystic, Connecticut, at a Mystic Woodcarver’s Club meeting. Every year the club hosted a show and picnic, showcasing members’ projects. Both Jill and Jim were carvers.
In addition to ships, he creates ducks, birds and other characters which he donates to the Art Studio for its annual sale. He’s made items for his others, including a cribbage board for friend and neighbor Mim Bizic. Building has been his lifelong passion. He restored his home in Connecticut, which was built in 1880.
One of his other major interests is history, especially beyond when the Bible was written, which he calls pre-history.
“There are events that took place that we are just learning about,” he said. “History to me is where we came from. Hopefully, we can be guided by the mistakes that were created.”
He also spends his time seeking answers to his questions, becoming a better person and taking care of Jill, who is in the Sturgeon Health Care Center at Masonic Village. He appreciates that she is getting the care she needs. He also appreciates his neighbors, who are open and friendly and care for one another.
“I just wish there were more hours in the day, as I seem to never get caught up with everything, but I love it!” Jim said.
