Tim Stockwell
Remembering Jim Shaughnessy
These days, I don't often share photos the same day that I took them, but every now and then there's a little more meaning behind one that makes me want to tell the story right away before my memory fades.
When famed photographer and fellow Troy native Jim Shaughnessy passed away in August 2018, I decided to attend calling hours. There, I had the opportunity to introduce myself to Jim's son, James. I briefly explained that not only had his father's work inspired me, but Jim as a person had been a very kind mentor to me. I had interviewed him for my senior thesis paper when I was attending Siena College, he was always a phone call or email away for any historical questions I had, and he graciously contributed to my first book. James later friended me on Facebook, where he saw a tribute post I had made to his father (you can see the post, which is public, here: www.facebook.com/tim.stockwell.587/posts/10100524475339363). I could tell that the post meant a lot to James, and that in turn meant a lot to me.
Well, today, James re-shared my post from 2018. I was surprised when I received the notification, but then I saw the reason: Today would have been Jim's 88th birthday. To see that my post was still helping James fondly remember his dad made my day.
Wednesdays are always my busiest work day, with a couple different meetings in different places in Troy, with the day ending with a soup kitchen for which I help recruit and oversee volunteers. In driving to the latter, I had some time to spare, and radio chatter tipped me off to the fact that CSX's B761 local was working in Troy. When B761 runs to Troy, it's typically a midday run. So, I knew that a rarer, afternoon run like this would afford some different angles. Also, on what would have been Jim Shaughnessy's 88th birthday, what better way to pay tribute than to photograph a train in Troy: the place where Jim grew up, went to school (RPI), worked, lived, and of course contributed so much to photographing Troy railroad history that is now long gone.
In this view, B761 prepares to depart Troy after picking up two refrigerated boxcars from K.C. Refrigeration. In the background on the right stands the steeple to St. John's Episcopal Church. The afternoon sun afforded an opportunity to place it in the photo, whereas normally it can't be included.
Wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!
CSX B761
Troy, NY
November 24, 2021
Remembering Jim Shaughnessy
These days, I don't often share photos the same day that I took them, but every now and then there's a little more meaning behind one that makes me want to tell the story right away before my memory fades.
When famed photographer and fellow Troy native Jim Shaughnessy passed away in August 2018, I decided to attend calling hours. There, I had the opportunity to introduce myself to Jim's son, James. I briefly explained that not only had his father's work inspired me, but Jim as a person had been a very kind mentor to me. I had interviewed him for my senior thesis paper when I was attending Siena College, he was always a phone call or email away for any historical questions I had, and he graciously contributed to my first book. James later friended me on Facebook, where he saw a tribute post I had made to his father (you can see the post, which is public, here: www.facebook.com/tim.stockwell.587/posts/10100524475339363). I could tell that the post meant a lot to James, and that in turn meant a lot to me.
Well, today, James re-shared my post from 2018. I was surprised when I received the notification, but then I saw the reason: Today would have been Jim's 88th birthday. To see that my post was still helping James fondly remember his dad made my day.
Wednesdays are always my busiest work day, with a couple different meetings in different places in Troy, with the day ending with a soup kitchen for which I help recruit and oversee volunteers. In driving to the latter, I had some time to spare, and radio chatter tipped me off to the fact that CSX's B761 local was working in Troy. When B761 runs to Troy, it's typically a midday run. So, I knew that a rarer, afternoon run like this would afford some different angles. Also, on what would have been Jim Shaughnessy's 88th birthday, what better way to pay tribute than to photograph a train in Troy: the place where Jim grew up, went to school (RPI), worked, lived, and of course contributed so much to photographing Troy railroad history that is now long gone.
In this view, B761 prepares to depart Troy after picking up two refrigerated boxcars from K.C. Refrigeration. In the background on the right stands the steeple to St. John's Episcopal Church. The afternoon sun afforded an opportunity to place it in the photo, whereas normally it can't be included.
Wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!
CSX B761
Troy, NY
November 24, 2021