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On Jan. 23, former Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers (BLE) International Vice President and General Secretary-Treasurer James Voyk died in Cleveland. He was 81.

In 1947, Voyk began his railroad career as a fireman at the Wheeling and Lake Erie Railway. Five years later, he became a locomotive engineer for the Nickel Plate Railroad.

After joining the BLE in 1949, Voyk served as a local chairman and general chairman until he was elected international VP in 1986. He was elected general secretary-treasurer in 1989.

“Brother Voyk served this organization well and with pride for many years,” said Don Hahs, national president of current union organization the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Traimen, in a prepared statement.

Born in Brewster, Ohio, Voyk served the Army Aviation Engineers Battalion in the South Pacific during WWII.

He is survived by his wife, Alice, two sons, two grandchildren and one great grandchild. The family asks that memorial contributions be made to St. Therese Catholic Church in Brewster or the American Cancer Society.