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James Taszarek Obituary
James F. Taszarek "Taz" passed away Thursday, February 25, after a courageous six-year journey with esophageal cancer. Taz was best known in the broadcasting industry, having managed radio stations in Phoenix, St. Louis and Cincinnati. He was Vice President and General Manager of KTAR and K-Lite for 10 years, and was deeply involved in many civic and charitable committees, being noted by the Phoenix Business Journal as one of the 100 Most Influential Business Leaders. He was a founding board member of the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University. He was on the boards of Phoenix Suns Charities, Salvation Army, Fiesta Bowl (Parade Chairman), National Speakers Association and the National Association of Broadcasters. He achieved the rank of Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy. He remained an active member of Alcoholics Anonymous for 44 years, starting July 18, 1971. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Joseph and Alice Taszarek of St. Louis, Mo., and brother Tom of Plano, Texas. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Sharon (Terbrock) of Scottsdale, Ariz., along with three children and eight grandchildren. They are: son "Jim, Jr." and his wife Lori (Fee) and grandchildren Michael (16) and Elizabeth (14) of Phoenix, Ariz.; his daughter Mary Carol and son-in-law Jon Lienemann and grandchildren Frederick, Katherine and Joseph (all age 18) of Kansas City, Kansas; his daughter Alice and son-in-law Scott Rodrian and grandchildren Ben (20), Claire (18) and Julia (15) of Glendale, Wisc. He is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Jane and Michael Welby of St. Louis, Mo. A vigil will be held at 7:00pm on Wednesday, March 2, and a mass at 10:30am on Thursday, March 3. Both will take place at the Franciscan Renewal Center, 5802 E. Lincoln Drive, Paradise Valley, Arizona. Donations in Taz's honor can be made to Hospice of the Valley or the Franciscan Renewal Center.
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Memories and Condolences
for James Taszarek
Dan Kuntz
February 21, 2025
Mr. Taszarek made a huge difference in my life. Little didn´t know when he had a day in radio set up at Arizona State University and I had the chance to visit that that would lead to me working in the business. I still remember the first day of the class I had with him as a senior at ASU. On our first day he had us take out a piece of paper and asked us to write on the paper what we wanted to do with our careers. He said write what you plan to do that does not equate to wealth or status. He really made us dig deep and think about our futures. Thank you for your inspiration.
Dan Kuntz
July 24, 2023
Mr. Taszarek,
You were one of my teachers at ASU. You were helpful in many ways. One memory I recall asking you to help find funding for a small scholarship for radio broadcast students from the East Valley Institute of Technology radio program. You made that happen and helped students. You also gave me the opportunity to see all radio departments at KTAR in action while a student. Rest in Peace you made a difference in the lives of many.
art gramer
February 23, 2021
Jim, my man. Many days I remember you and the good times, the memories of St. Louis and Phoenix, of Roy Saunders and so many shared friends. Rest well in God's hands. You are loved, you rascal !
art gramer
March 3, 2016
Jim:
You were a large man in my life. Artie you called me, just to get me going. Big hand, big heart, open to all and fully committed. Truly, you candle will burn brightly in all of us. I am sure God welcomed you as you welcomed all of us into your life. I miss you.
art gramer
March 3, 2016
Jim was a first friend to me : we shared our outrageous stories of how it was in St. Louis and here. I will miss seeing him, though he is deeply embedded in my heart. Peace, friend.
Taz & Armon Mills aboard the Midway Museum, August 2014
Korey Castillo
March 3, 2016
Susan Schwartz
March 2, 2016
Thanks Taz for always being so kind-hearted, caring and welcoming. You had a way of making us all feel like family.
My deepest of sympathy to Sharon and the family. As a caregiver myself, I know the pain and heartache of losing someone to cancer.
Taz's memory will always be a bright spot when I remember my radio days.
Rest in peace, friend.
Allen Weintraub
March 1, 2016
Heaven has another great one!!! RIP my dear friend. My deepest sympathy and condolences to the entire Taszarek family.
Allen and Wendy Weintraub
Dick Chapin
March 1, 2016
Sharon
Taz was one of a kind a friend that you never forget. We bonded many years ago and stayed in contact up to hospice. He never quit calling me "Dickie" just to get me started.
We celebrate a life full of humor and deep thought. All who knew him will cherish rich memories-I know I will.
John Hester
February 29, 2016
Taz was one of kind, larger than life type of guy. He was a mentor and a teacher. When he spoke people listened. We miss him but his spirit and memories will live on forever. Well done. Rest in Pease my friend.
Mary Ann and Jim Cook
February 29, 2016
Dear Sharon,
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family.
We so enjoyed getting to know Jim and you through our many encounters with you at the Casa.
He was certainly a very talented, inspiring and gifted individual. His amazing speaking voice, engaging personality and incredible presence will remain with us forever!
May he rest in God's eternal peace.
AT
February 29, 2016
May you be comforted and supported by the love of family and friends.Romans 4:17
Grace Heese
February 29, 2016
So sorry about the loss of such a great man!
February 29, 2016
May I offer my condolences to James's family and friends. Death is one of the hardest things we have to go through. A scripture that has brought me comfort is 2 Kings 20:5. Here our creator verifies that "I have heard your prayer. I have seen your tears. I am healing you". I hope this brings you comfort during this difficult time. I will keep your family in my prayers tonight.
MaryHelen McGill
February 29, 2016
Dearest Sharon and Family,
Our Prayers are with you all*
James is resting in heavenly peace knowing that he is eternally blessed by all the love of family and friends alike* May your sorrow going forward...turn to joy at just the right time♥
Peace of heart to each of you,
MH McGill & Family
February 29, 2016
Comfort from knowing that God feels
for us when we suffer. Zechariah2:8.
Dale Ganzow
February 29, 2016
Your family is in my thought and prayers. Jim was a coach, mentor and friend. I, like so many, are much better people for knowing him.
Sheri Baker
February 29, 2016
Sharon, much love and many prayers to you and your family. Jim is in a better place and pain-free....
February 29, 2016
May the God of all comfort be with your family during this difficult time.
S.T.
Ann and Mike Mulroy
February 29, 2016
We will thinking and praying for you and your family. He was a wonderful person and I love that smile.
Sandy Hansen
February 29, 2016
Thinking of you Sharon and family. He loved you all like crazy. He was a force of nature and an amazing being.
Jeff Riddle
February 29, 2016
What an amazing man! Accomplished and brave - he will be missed!
February 29, 2016
Sharon and all the Little Cousins, we send our love and prayers to surround you. Jimmy is singing "Sto Lat" with his Polish loved ones!
Jane Taszarek and Kevin Kundert -- Kirkwood,Missouri
Jane Taszarek and Kevin Kundert (Kirkwood, Missouri)
The Mills
February 28, 2016
To our dear friend! May this life be as much fun as the last without the pain
Kay Bechtel
February 28, 2016
Sharon, Peace and Good to your family! Kay Bechtel
Paddy Ramsay
February 28, 2016
Client, boss, and my friend. I hate that he is no longer with us. I am very glad he is no longer suffering with that horrible disease. I don't think I have met another human being that left something special with so many people. You were loved by so many Jim. Thank you for all that you did! XXOO
Donna Chase
February 28, 2016
Dear Sharon - My prayers are with you all.
Art McManus
February 28, 2016
Our deepest sympathies to the Taszarek family. Jim was such a wonderful person and a great face in the Class of '60. His smile and demeanor was infectious. Jim had expressed interest in helping with our 60th Reunion and we will certainly miss him but will always remember him in our prayers. May he enjoy peace and joy for eternity. God bless you Jim.
Art & Barb McManus
Hugh Scott
February 28, 2016
Rest in peace my friend
Lori Dreyer
February 27, 2016
Rest in peace brave one..
Gary Edens
February 27, 2016
Jim was a one of a kind leader. He touched so many lives and will be missed. What a legacy Taz leaves!
Jim Hempstead
February 27, 2016
Sharon -I will NEVER forget TAZ or you!!
Deepest sympathy & prayers for you. Jim was one of a kind & I knew him for 53 years. Please call when in Overland Park, KS. God Bless,
Jim Hempstead
February 27, 2016
Aunt Sharon and family, you are in our thoughts and prayers. Uncle Jim was such a loving, thoughtful and fun person. The first time he came to visit Katie, he didn't even get past the foyer before he sat right down in the floor to play with her. Such an amazing personality. He will truly be missed. We love you all! - John, Beth and Katie
Patrick Dunn
February 27, 2016
Please accept my sincere condolences. I am happy to tell you that Taz will live on in the Kansas City area through the many people he helped during his time here, including me.
Susan Bitter Smith
February 27, 2016
My thoughts and prayers are with Taz's family. He was such a supporter and friend and was key to my involvement in the Walter Cronkite School at ASU. He will be missed!
Jon Coleman
February 27, 2016
Condolences to the entire Taszarek family. I knew Jim for over 30 years. He was a friend who greatly influenced my life and the success of my company. When I was sick and in the hospital Jim visited me everyday. For all he did for me and the many others he touched, we are all grateful. Unbounded energy and the desire to be a good person will be how I remember him forever. You will be missed my friend.
February 27, 2016
A great associate with RAB...gifted teacher...great human being ! My sympathies !
Carla
February 27, 2016
Please accept my condolences on the loss of James. May his memory comfort your heart; and God help your family during this time of sorrow. Isa.41:13
Jennifer Kirkman
February 27, 2016
Dearest Taszarek Family,
I am so saddened on the passing of such a great man. He loved and lived life on a truly grand scale. He impacted so many with his humor and wisdom. I am blessed to have known Jim and to have had his influence in my life. My prayers for peace go out to all of his family and friends at this time. I will so look forward to hearing his booming voice when I get to Heaven calling out, "Yokshas"! My love to you all!
Jaye Albright
February 27, 2016
He lived his faith every day, right up to his very last one. Taz lit candles which burn brightly in all of us.
Carolyn cassani Ring
February 27, 2016
Sending sincere condolences to Sharon and family. Rest in peace, Jim.
John and Donna Shean
February 26, 2016
In memory of Taz
CANCER IS SO LIMITED
It cannot cripple love,
It cannot shatter hope,
It cannot corrode faith,
It cannot eat away at peace,
It cannot destroy confidence,
It cannot kill friendship,
It cannot shut out memories,
It cannot silence courage,
It cannot invade the soul,
It cannot reduce Eternal life,
It cannot quench the spirit,
It cannot lessen the power
of the Resurrection
--Author Unknown
Our Deepest Sympathies to Sharon and the entire Taszarek Family. May he rest in peace.
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