Jym Ganahl Obituary
On September 7th, 1948 I opened my eyes in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Right away I knew my birthday was special, it was autumn in Iowa. My sister, Jackie, decided to be born on September 7th, 1949 forever ruining my special day. I only got half of the presents I deserved after that.
Then came siblings Jeff, John, Jeanne, Joe, and Julie (Dad's favorite) and I was out of the house at age 17 so they could have my bed and my stuff.
School was uneventful for me. Dad said, "I was the smartest of the dumb kids, and the dumbest of the smart kids." My GPA was good (3.24) and I lettered in track.
The draft was going on and my ping pong ball number was 7 so normal life was over. I was the #1 marksman with an M-16 and Outstanding Scout and was put into a helicopter unit because of my weather background.
The Blizzard of 1978 hit Ohio and they wanted weathermen from cold climates to be able to get to work, so I got the job. I have been doing this for nearly 60 years. I am in the AP Broadcasting Hall of Fame and was voted one of the sexiest weathermen on TV by Victoria's Secret. Did not need any other awards after that one.
I was voted 19th most iconic person in Columbus history by Columbus Monthly. Humbled that #18 was Colo the gorilla at the zoo.
My life has been so happy and filled with love. I am beyond joyful that my siblings are in such close contact with me.
I love my daughters Lindsey and Lauren so much and am so proud of them. Lindsey's husband, Mike, is the rock in the family and to me. Admire him every day. I've really enjoyed having Mike's sons in my life. Lauren's husband, Jason, has listened to God's Word and is the one who listens to His commandments for their family. I have seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Each of them has individual talents that make them all so special and loving. I hope you all know just how special you are to me.
Jamie is my best friend. She watches out for me and I am the Godfather to her amazing children. I am also Godfather to Julie in Iowa, and Emily and Allie from Kansas.
Jason and Krista are lifelong friends. Courtney helps me on my faith journey.
I am so grateful to the Central Ohio community for the love, friendship, and support they have given me all these years. It was an honor to meet so many of you, to hear your stories, and be treated like family. I am grateful to my colleagues through six decades of broadcasting. It has been a pleasure working with you and I am blessed to call you my friends. I don't miss the severe weather days though! Thank you for letting me do what I love, sharing the forecast and folklore with you and always feeling that I am among friends.
From Jym's Family:
Jym's family wishes to thank the wonderful staff and residents at Silvertree Apartments, where he made his home. They also want to extend their love and gratitude to the community at Mill Run Care Center, who not only cared for and comforted Jym in his final months, but also welcomed his family in friendship. Jym passed away at Mill Run on Monday, February 3, 2025. He was 76 years old.
In lieu of flowers, anyone who wishes to honor Jym may donate to the 15/10 Foundation at 15outof10.org. The Foundation helps shelter dogs receive needed medical care and find forever homes. Please dedicate all donations in his memory.
*Photo courtesy of WCMH NBC4 Columbus
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Mick Ketchum
November 13, 2025
My first recollection of Jym was in the early `70s after I ETSd from the Army & got my first teaching job.
Jym´s weather report was not only entertaining but usually correct. He was inspirational to kids as he would travel to schools to give explanations of opportunities in the weather-related industry.
I moved to NW Iowa about the time Jym moved to Columbus only to find another impressive TV weatherman on a Sioux City station...Tom Petersen. He would use objects to use as pointers on his weather maps. He loved to collect pointers from kids & use them on the air while identifying where he got them.
Ironically he was killed in a weather-related snowplow accident. Jym Ganahl & weather people all over the country leave an indelible mark on their viewers because of their familiarity in our homes daily while they inform us of weather events that affect us daily...good & bad...just like life.
Thank you Jym & all weather people for being so good at what you did/do.
Mick Ketchum
Ingham Lake, Iowa
Vickie Thayer
May 4, 2025
I loved Jym so much I wrote a poem about him awhile back on poetry soup. He was the best ever. I'm so sorry to his family.
If you want to read the poem.
https://www.poetrysoup.com/poem/jym_ganahl_he_knew_it_all_1666822.
May God hold him close and comfort his family.
Vickie Thayer London, Ohio.
Jean Heddleson
April 3, 2025
I didn´t know Jim personally, but I felt as if I did because every time I heard his voice as my husband listened to the news I would stop what I was doing and go listen to his forecast and weather tips. He was my very favorite weather expert! I miss him dearly, as I am certain those who knew him do. I offer my deepest condolences to his family and friends. I looked up the saying today about spring and the forsythia and thought of him fondly.
Lance
March 26, 2025
I was in 6th Grade in 86 and Jym came to our school. I remember the passion and wonder he showed us about the weather. I have never forgotten his visit. He was so kind and down to earth. He was a treasure to central Ohio. God bless him and his loved ones.
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L. Howie
March 10, 2025
I've watched Jim giving weather reports down through the yrs ...he will truly be missed...sweet guy ...prayers to the family and friend..God bless all if jim was a believer of christ we shall all see him again in Jesus name amen
Fr Michael D Kirkland
February 18, 2025
I remember you so well many years ago when you lived in West Albany; we were right down from you on Harlem Road. And the time we spoke weather while picking through the vegetables at the New Albany Kroger. It was so great to see a local celebrity as a simple neighbor and a friend.
You will be missed because you were someone who was sincere and could be believed entirely. May Almighty God give you all the reward you deserve and May Your Memory be Eternal
Rose Russell
February 18, 2025
Jym will never be forgotten. The positive energy he put into our lives will go on. We love you Jym.
To his daughters and their families, I send my deepest sympathy.
Your dad was a wonderful honest and loving person. He was my friend. But then, wasn´t he everyone´s friend?
Rose Russell
Ted Williams
February 17, 2025
Driving around on the gravel roads of Wisconsin in his Aunts 1955 Chevy.
Jym you were a good man and friend. Ted Williams
Fran Ruegg
February 17, 2025
I met Jym at Chili's one day when we were both having dinner. His car was next to mine and I asked him if he was Jym Ganahl, he yes, and who are you. I told him and we chatted a good 10 minutes. He said he ate there 5 days a week, and he hoped we would meet again. I never did see him there after that visit. He was just the nicest man, we even talked a bit about weather. I do miss seeing him on TV. RIP, Jym. Fondly, Fran
Regina Hrytzik
February 16, 2025
To Jym´s family, we moved here on Labor Day 1984 not knowing anyone as my husband´s job transferred him here we tuned into channel 4 and felt at home thanks to your dad and the others. May he rest in eternal peace and thank you for sharing him with us. God bless. Regina & Larry Hrytzik
Michael Lundquist
February 16, 2025
Jym was the Dean of Weather in Columbus! He was full of folklore and accuracy! He was a kind gentlemen who if you wrote him a letter, he would respond! If you asked him a question on Messenger, he would respond! I was so happy when my Channel 6 hired him after Channel 4 dumped him! So sorry to hear about his passing! We were blessed to have had him and will be missed! The last of the true professionals! Prayers to his family and may Jym Rest In Peace! Job Well Done Jym!
Tami Smith
February 15, 2025
When I was in 8th grade I wrote a letter to see if he would come to our science class and talk about weather. He did! I was so in love with him. I still have his engagement announcement in my scrap book. My niece 3 years younger than me said she also wrote him a letter and he answered it. I think I got a letter response as well. Made the news so interesting for little teenage girls when he was at KWWL. I am sorry for your loss.
Steve in Newark OH
February 15, 2025
For so many years, it wasn't the true weather picture unless you got it from Jym. He was the trusted expert on Columbus TV that I always tuned to, especially during the many tornado outbreaks or major winter storms. He was the friend I never met in person, but was always happy to see on the TV screen. You will be deeply missed Jym, so God Bless and rest peacefully. Deepest condolences to his family and friends.
Lindsey Wall
February 14, 2025
Jym was a true friend . He was there for me through good times and bad . He accepted me and never made me feel less when I was going through tough times . He gave me advice and he was always right about everything. He always made time for me no matter how busy he was . I got married and lost touch and I really hope he knew how much he meant to me . I saved his Christmas card he sent to me and I´m really glad I did. It´s sentimental to me . He has a special place in my heart . RIP . I´ll see you again someday . - Lindsey Wall (McLaughlin)
Mike and Jackie Johnson, Coshocton, Oh
February 14, 2025
Condolences to Jym´s family and to all his viewers including myself. It was such a shock to hear of his passing. I remember his weatherisms especially "if you have spring in winter, you´ll have winter in spring", and three snows after the forsythia bloom. Keep them weather aware in heaven Jym!!
Bob the viewer
February 14, 2025
He did start something. He was the first weatherman in Columbus with the AMS designation. I still remember the TV commercials using his name...Jym Ganahl, AMS. Within a few years, the AMS designation was everywhere on the numerous channels....but he was the first. He and I are within 1 year of being the same age, and I have followed his career since he first started. Although I knew nothing about him, I have a few friends who attend the same church he does (did) and they always said he was a wonderful fellow and a good, all-around guy. I think all viewers of his would guess the same thing about him. We all think he was a good guy. A wonderful legacy. God Rest you in Peace Jym.
A viewer from up north...
Patricia Clark
February 14, 2025
I saw him on the news. I loved to hear his voice.
Beverly Humphrey
February 14, 2025
Prayers for Jym's family. My husband and I always listened to his weather forcast. He became like one of the family.
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