James Russell Eicher

James Russell Eicher November 15, 1923 – May 16, 2013 On Thursday, May 16, 2013, our beloved Father, Grandfather, and devoted Husband, Jim Eicher, was peacefully called home. Jim was born on November 15, 1923, to Albert and Mary Eicher in Fremont, Ohio. He graduated from Fremont High School with the class of 1941. He then worked for Western Union Telegraph Co. in Fremont until joining the U.S. Army in February, 1943, where he served in the European Theater of World War II as a teletype operator in the Signal Corps until the end of the war. He was honorably discharged in December, 1945. He went to Radio School and then worked as an announcer for radio stations WFOB in Fostoria, Ohio and WFRO in Fremont, Ohio. He was then asked to move west to Grand Junction by a friend who was also in the radio business. He did, and signed KEXO on the air in 1948. He worked there, where he was known as the 'sexiest voice on air', until 1968, when he decided he needed a change and went to work for The Daily Sentinel as an account executive. He retired from the Sentinel in 1988. Jim was a member of the First Congregational Church where he sang in the church choir. It was there that he met Jean Lindsay. They were married on August 3, 1952 and enjoyed 58 years of marriage. Jim and Jean later became members of the First United Methodist Church where they were very active in the choir. Jim enjoyed singing, playing bridge, fishing on Grand Mesa, woodworking, and following Colorado sports teams. He was very active with the Bookcliff Chorus and handled the annual Valentine's Day scheduling for the various quartets for several years. He also put his woodworking skills to good use making many items for the annual church bazaar. Jim is survived by his sister, Norma Jane Eicher of Louisville, Kentucky; son, Bob (Deana) Eicher of Fruita, Colorado; daughter, Christina (Alvin) Rubalcaba of Las Vegas, Nevada, and five grandchildren, Alissa, Elizabeth, Breanna, Mark and Ryan. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jean Eicher; parents, Albert and Mary Eicher, and brother, Vernon Eicher. A memorial service will be held at The First United Methodist Church, 522 White Avenue, on Tuesday, May 28, 2013, at 11:00 a.m. followed by a reception at the church. There will be a private committal service preceding the memorial service at Veteran's Memorial Cemetery. Arrangements are in care of Callahan-Edfast Mortuary. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist music fund, 522 White Avenue, Grand Junction, CO, 81501, Hospice & Palliative Care of Western Colorado, 3090B North 12th Street, Grand Junction, Colorado, 81506 or Bookcliff Chorus, P.O. Box 537, Grand Junction, Colorado, 81502.