It is with great sadness that I inform you of the passing of Jim Rowson. Jim was diagnosed with Prostate cancer a while back but it was too late to help. He passed on the 26th after spending Christmas Day with his Son and Daughter.
A Tribute will be posted on their book site and a memorial service is scheduled. As soon as I have that information I will post it here.
Jim operating on the Shasta Pacific in August of 2022
Rick,
Thanks very much for posting on this sad news.
A great man who loved his family and friends, was a leader in his field, and knew how to wisely live his life to the fullest.
From our trip to Carson City for the Great Western Steam Up in July of 2022,
God bless you Jim,
Cliff
Sorry to hear. May Jim rest in peace. And may comfort surround his family and friends during this difficult time.
Richard
Awe , I texted him about 2 weeks ago and he told me the news. I am so glad I got to visit his layout at the last convention in Santa Clara, and while I didn’t get a long time to talk to him then or texting a couple of weeks ago, I will always remember his work and his eye for detail. Rest in peace, Jim. Prayers to family he leaves behind
one of those forum members, i only got positive memories about.
i will miss him.
Sorry to hear the news. Glad he was surrounded by family. RIP Jim.
Very sorry to hear. Prayers for his family.
So sorry to hear this news. Praying for his family.
Oh, no! He was such an inspiration and a wonderful, positive force! We will miss him…
Oh bummer, losing family on the holidays is extraordinarily rough, prayers for the family.
Oh no! Jim was one of the crew that helped when I moved to this new software. He will be missed.
My condolences to his family and friends. I did not know him, but I am sure he will be missed.
My condolences to the family, may he RIP
For you that didn’t know Jim or are not familiar with his beautiful Durango and Jasper railroad here is a link to the build thread. For those that are it is always fun to look back and remember the good times.
My condolences to the family RIP Jim
A few other links to some of his work, in no particular order, starting with planting and Nancy Norris.
A couple of videos of the D&J when all the plantings were done.
Here’s the saloon named after Jim’s son Casey, who’ll be keeping the model in memory of his dad.
Jim’s Surry Parker loader build…
His water tank battery car,
This is his gorgeous rail truck model. When Jim and I met at a Carson restaurant in 2022, he brought it along for me to see it up close and personal. Loved it! The amazing beast took up much of the table and sure drew stares!
And finally, here’s where Jim introduced his Sci-Fi detective novel, The Avatar Murders. Jim let me read a couple of pre-publication chapters, but I only bought the completed version a couple months ago. I’ve been enjoying reading it recently, it’s quite a ride. Very different. You can get it on Amazon.
Jim’s close friend, Bruce Berls, wrote another book with Jim, and is continuing their series.
Jim was an amazing guy, and I’m blessed to have known him.
Always hate losing a long-time poster. Jim’s work was always superb. May his family find peace and comfort in his memory. In the old railroad jargon, railroad heaven was called The Indian Valley Road. Prayers that Jim is building another garden railway there.
David Meashey
Cliff,
Thanks for the additional posts showing Jim’s work.
So sorry to hear this. Such a loss to all.
Condolences to the family. He did some incredible work. RIP Jim
