With great sadness, I learned this morning from Ms. Joanne Chaplin
that her father, Jesse "Jess" Macartney, passed away last Friday,
November 8th, at the age of 92.  I know that anyone else whose life
was touched by this gracious gentleman of kindness and music will
feel likewise.

Jess was one of our true pioneers in the field of reproducing piano
and organ restoration, and in supporting the musical appreciation
of these instruments.  Jess operated a player piano repair shop in
Ardmore, Pennsylvania, starting in the 1950s.  Being a naturally
gifted craftsman, he was able to understand the complex workings of
these instruments and restore them to playing perfection.  Mr. Alan
Lightcap worked with Jess in those early years, and in his brilliant
career continues to approach restoration without compromise.  Such
was the spirit of Jess Macartney.

I met Jess at his home in Narberth, Pennsylvania, many years ago,
and we quickly became friends.  Jess loved classical music every bit
as much as popular music.  His collection embraced the Ampico, Duo-Art,
and Welte Licensee formats.  However, Jess' favorite by far was the
pipe organ.  Jess had constructed a massive, powerful pipe organ in
his basement, and had a definitive collection of multiple format Aeolian
rolls.  It was a joy to hear, but twice that to see the glimmer in his
eye when playing any of these instruments.

I last spoke with Jess only a few weeks ago.  His thoughtful kindness
was ever apparent, while past memories were fleeting.  Jess is survived
by his wife of 54 years, Barbara, and two daughters, Ms. Joanne Chaplin
and Ms. Lynne Spotts, along with five grandchildren.  The following
obituary was given to me by Ms. Chaplin:

https://www.remembermyjourney.com/Memorial/20376562

Frank Himpsl