Trains Magazine Editor Dead at 61
La Rosa’s Trains is sad to hear about the passing of Trains Magazine’s editor-in-chief Jim Wrinn, who died from pancreatic cancer at age 61 (just a few days after his birthday). Interestingly, his birth year 1961 has the same last two digits as his death age. Yet that was too young to stop living, in my opinion. Last summer, the magazine announced a job listing for associate editor, due to the retirement of Robert S. McGonigal, who was editor of Classic Trains (another magazine). Brian Schmidt has then become the new editor for that publication, leaving his previous role as associate editor of Trains. As of February 2022, Bob Lettenberger has effectively taken over Schmidt’s place.
With that being said, I would have liked to apply for a job at Kalmbach Media and to possibly occupy Lettenberger’s lower position; but I may have to spend more years in college to earn at least a Bachelor’s degree in journalism or something related to that. I am extremely knowledgeable with trains anyway. We currently have no idea who will become the new editor-in-chief upon Jim Wrinn’s death, but my guess is that senior editor David Lassen may probably become an “acting” editor. I could be wrong, though. Lassen was responsible for editing the “EMD at 100” special issue, which was released last autumn.
Although he grew up with only printed media, Wrinn was smart enough to perform his digital experience by posting lots of online content to not only the magazine’s website but also to multiple social media platforms. This, in particular, would be influential for younger generations like me. I am really convinced to say that there will always be younger people who enjoy trains just as much as older folks do. And I hope it stays true. More importantly, I strongly hope Trains Magazine will continue to live on for many more years and to be enjoyed by newer generations. Rest in peace, Mr. Wrinn.
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