Jim Prutch Conductor, Brakeman, Switch Foreman, Switchman in Tales of the Jointed Track

I was working with Cindy today on the vending machine route. She is a Barista with Starbucks 3 days per week. We were talking about employees and your counter parts you work with.

I liked Jim. Worked with him on the Joint-Line and in the yard in Pueblo. He was a good railroader. No he’s not dead, he’s retired like the old rail here.

Jim was sensitive, and / or overly sensitive to a point. I am bad. and I had a hand in a few of these. Yes yer dear ol brakeshoe.

I was in management when this occurred. So like Pontius Pilate. I wash my hands from the whole thing.

Jim and his brothers, along with the immediate family had a reunion and gathering. A picture was taken and was published in the Pueblo Chieftain newspaper.

The Prutch brothers are “hair” challenged, hey happens and genetics, so be it.
They all have mustaches, nothing wrong with that, especially when you can grow one. They are typical proud Pueblo Italians, a heritage and I respect that. I am laying the ground work.

Okay, railroaders being the kind, sensitive, and politically correct people we are, the following occurred.

The picture was in the Pueblo Chieftain. It was spotted and cut out at the yard office. It was altered, oh yeah was it altered and placed on the bulletin board at the yard office.

The happy and proud Prutch family was displayed and the Mother of her children was front and center. The photo was doctored and placed in royal prominence.

Mrs. Prutch had her hair modified, in the bald top and hair on the sides. Then a mustache was placed in as well. The caption was Mrs. Prutch and her boys at the family reunion. Sorry I am trying to compose myself.. This was posted during the weekend, on the bulletin board, and many laughs were had.

Jim comes in on a Monday morning. A new work week begins. The photo is spotted!!!

He is absolutely outraged, and BINGO that was the reaction they all wanted. He rips the photo down and to the train master’s office he goes. Now Jim’s voice, when angry or agitated goes 500 octaves of shrill.

The voice was heard to say:
“I don’t give a good Goddamn, what they say or think about me, to my face or behind my back. This is my MOM!!”

Now I respect motherhood and the parents etc, but how and why did they do it?

Rule 1: Don’t wear your feelings on your sleeve
Rule 2: If it pisses you off, don’t verbalize it
Rule 3: Don’t tattle and let it pass
Rule 4: see rules 1 thru 3

It was harmless fun and the result was accomplished.