Background
Gessner, James Walter was born on September 6, 1930 in Monroe, Michigan, United States. Son of Allan Earl and Margaret Marie (Keehn) Gessner.
Gessner, James Walter was born on September 6, 1930 in Monroe, Michigan, United States. Son of Allan Earl and Margaret Marie (Keehn) Gessner.
Bachelor of Science in Engineering, University of Michigan, 1952, Master of Science in Civil Engineering, 1955.
With Southern Railway Company, 1955-1969. Division superintendent Macon, Georgia, Greensboro, North Carolina, 1960-1964, marketing manager customer service engineering, Washington, 1964, director transportation engineering, Atlanta, 1965-1967, director planning and development, 1967-1969. Assistant to vice president operations Missouri Pacific Railroad, Saint Louis, 1969-1971, general manager, Little Rock, 1971-1972, general manager transportation, Saint Louis, 1972-1974, vice president operations, 1974-1976, executive vice president, 1976-1978, president, 1978-1979, president, chief Executive officer, from 1979, also director
Director Commerce Bankshares, Missouri Pacific Corporation, Missouri Improvement Company, Member of Parliament Truckline, American Refrigerator Transit Company.
Served with United States Army, 1952-1954. Member Association American Railroads (director), American Association Railroad Superintendent, United States-Mexico Chamber of Commerce (directory). Clubs: Union League (Chicago).
Married Joy Layne Wahl, January 8, 1955. Children: James, Julie, Jeffrey.