Virginia Beach - James W. (Jim) Dietz, 79, passed away on Monday, August 4th, 2025, at Sentara Norfolk Hospital in Norfolk, Virginia after a brief illness. His wife, Virginia (Ginger) Dietz and her son, Michael Zap, were by his side.

Jim was born to Emily and James B. Dietz, and raised in Somerset, Pennsylvania, and in Frostburg, MD. When Jim was only a toddler, his father introduced him to the sights, sounds, and smells of the railroad when he took him to the tracks to wait for the Baltimore & Ohio freight trains to pass by. This was the seed that grew into Jim’s lifelong love of railroads. His interest, passion, and knowledge of railroads continued to grow as his studies progressed, culminating with a degree in transportation from the University of Tennessee.

Jim pursued employment in the railroad industry. He started his railroad career with the Baltimore & Ohio/Chesapeake & Ohio, moved to Amtrak, and then joined the United States Railway Association upon its creation where he provided critical analysis for the creation of Conrail. In a natural transition, Jim joined Conrail upon its creation in 1976.

Jim was the consummate analyst. He was meticulous, thorough, and unwavering in his accuracy. During his professional endeavors, Jim was recognized for his insightful analyses of railroad financial and operational issues at increasing levels of the railroads he served. At Conrail, Jim represented the best of Conrail in trying times and was always undaunted by complexities and controversies. Edward Jordan, the first CEO of Conrail, sent one of Jim’s analyses to all his vice presidents, with the comment: “The thoroughness and clarity of this Dietz analysis is a model for all of us at Conrail.” With the split of Conrail in 1999, Jim took his analytical expertise to Norfolk Southern. Jim retired from Norfolk Southern ending a career that lasted over 40 years.

Along the way, as circumstances permitted, Jim photographed railroad operations. He initially focused on railroads in the Northeastern United States but soon expanded his photographic reach to the Western and Southwestern United States, usually in the company of other railroad professionals. In 2015 Jim wrote a book, “My Steam: A Personal Experience of the Steam Locomotive”, a photo history of some of his favorite railroad images. His family is working with the Center for Railroad Photography & Art in Madison, Wisconsin, on the preservation of his photography collection.

Beyond Jim’s love for railroads, he had a huge heart. He and Ginger were generous in support of their church, and non-profit causes that were meaningful to them. A primary beneficiary for many years has been Samaritan House in Virginia Beach, which provides life-changing services and support for adult and child survivors of domestic violence and trafficking.

Jim is survived by the love of his life, Ginger; her son, Michael Zap; grandson, Lucio Zap, both of San Cristobal, Mexico; their former daughter-in-law, Sarah Tyler; and their granddaughter, Jehiah Sabato, both of Eugene, Oregon. Jim was dear to each one.

A memorial service will take place on Sunday afternoon, September 21st at 2:00pm at:
King’s Grant Presbyterian Church
745 Little Neck Road
Virginia Beach, VA

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Samaritan House.

Those wishing to share memories or express condolences are invited to do so at SimplyCremationOnline.com.