A native of Seattle, Washington, Jack was born June 3, 1953. A true renaissance man, he studied photography with the famed Ansel Adams and graduated from Tacoma Community College with a degree in journalism. He and his wife Carol would have three sons and a daughter.

Jack had a true love for steam locomotives and began volunteering his time to help restore his first steam locomotive in the early 1970s. He was hired to restore two steam locomotives into operation for the future Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad. Quickly being recognized as a “mechanical genius” by those who worked with him he honed his craft and began writing a variety of articles.

In his 24 years as the Master Mechanic of the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad he restored nearly two dozen locomotives.

In 2003, Jack was hired by the NNRy as Master Mechanic bringing a wealth of knowledge, skills and personality that brought new life to the shops. His warm personality welcomed volunteers and made them feel welcome to the various projects under his purview. Though all this, he was known for his humility and quiet and unassuming manner.

In an unfortunate term for the entire heritage railroad industry, Jack passed away suddenly on December 1,2004 at his home in Ely. At the time locomotive #40 was undergoing a full rebuild and the loss of Jack also meant the loss of the skills needed to finish the project. It was at this time management of the railroad realized that a new generation would need to be brought up to carry on the torch.

Following in Jack’s footsteps,the railroad has cultivated a new generation of railroad preservationists to continue Jack’s exemplary legacy.