Jim Gates, founder of the Lionel Collectors Club of America (LCCA), celebrated his 90th birthday on June 25.
Jim began working on the real railroad as a senior in high school in 1953. He worked after school on the Milwaukee Road coal train that ran from Perry to Madrid, Iowa. He finished school at 3:15 p.m., worked on the train from 4 p.m. to midnight, and then went to school the next morning. Jim served in the U.S. Navy for four years from 1954 to 1958 and worked for the railroad again from 1958 to 1960 when he returned from active duty in the Navy.
He started the club in Des Moines, Iowa in 1970.
Reflecting on LCCA’s history, Jim said he knew there were many Lionel train collectors and operators out there. “I never dreamed the LCCA would grow so big,” he said.
His birthday celebration was held at his home in Perry, Iowa, and was attended by family, friends and members of the LCCA.
LCCA President Mark Kempfer attended Jim’s party and presented him with the club’s 2025 convention giraffe car to commemorate Jim’s 90th birthday, Lionel’s 125th anniversary, and the LCCA’s 55th anniversary.
When asked what he saw for the future of the club, he responded, “Collectors will always love Lionel! And the club is a good way to make new friends, and for many the conventions become family vacations.”
