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Jim Hamre Memorial Scholarship Fund
On December 18, 2017, the rail community mourned the loss of two Rail Passengers Association members Jim Hamre and Zack Willhoite when Amtrak Train #501 derailed in near Tacoma, Washington. Both men were devoted to their family and friends, as well as passionate advocates for passenger railroad and advancing the advocacy work of the Association.
With the gracious support of Jim Hamre’s family, the Rail Passengers Association has established The Jim Hamre Memorial Scholarship Fund. The scholarship will benefit engineering graduate students interested in rail and transit. Preparing the next generation of rail transit professionals is a necessity to the viability of rail travel and the Rail Passengers Association can’t think of a better way to honor Jim’s memory than looking to the future. As we approach Jim’s birthday, which is March 30th, we ask you to help us celebrate his life by donating to the Rail Passengers Association to benefit The Jim Hamre Memorial Scholarship Fund.
Out of so much grief comes something good, as we believe Jim would have wanted.
For more information about the fund, please contact Director of Development, Jonsie Stone at [email protected], or 202-408-8362, extension 3207
"I wish to extend my appreciation to members of the Rail Passengers Association for their steadfast advocacy to protect not only the Southwest Chief, but all rail transportation which plays such an important role in our economy and local communities. I look forward to continuing this close partnership, both with America’s rail passengers and our bipartisan group of senators, to ensure a bright future for the Southwest Chief route."
Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS)
April 2, 2019, on receiving the Association's Golden Spike Award for his work to protect the Southwest Chief