Renowned Meteorologist Jym Ganahl death Passes Away at 76: A Legacy of Nearly 60 Years in Weather Reporting Leaves Indelible Mark on Columbus Community
Beloved former NBC4 chief meteorologist Jym Ganahl has passed away at the age of 76, leaving behind a legacy of nearly 60 years in weather reporting. According to his family’s announcement on Tuesday, Ganahl died of natural causes on February 3. The family chose to keep his passing private until after his funeral service.
Ganahl’s impressive career in meteorology began at the tender age of 17, when he reached out to the news director at his hometown station in Waterloo, Iowa. This marked the beginning of a remarkable journey that would span nearly six decades, earning him a reputation as one of the most respected and beloved meteorologists in the Columbus area.
In 1979, Ganahl joined NBC4 (then known by its call letters, WCMH) and became an integral part of the 1980s news team known as “Doug, Mona, Jimmy and Jym,” alongside anchors Doug Adair, Mona Scott, and sports anchor Jimmy Crum. During his tenure at NBC4, Ganahl played a pivotal role in shaping the station’s weather reporting, and his expertise earned him a loyal following among viewers.
One of Ganahl’s most notable contributions to NBC4 was his instrumental role in bringing on the station’s second meteorologist, Ben Gelber. Gelber, often referred to as Ganahl’s longtime partner in weather reporting, has remained with NBC4 for over 40 years. The duo’s collaboration helped establish NBC4 as a leader in weather reporting, and their camaraderie on-air became a hallmark of the station’s broadcasts.
Ganahl was renowned for his extensive weather knowledge, which spanned both modern science and traditional weather lore. He was known for his creative and engaging approach to weather reporting, often sharing fascinating anecdotes and folklore related to weather patterns. For instance, he would estimate temperatures by counting cricket chirps and adding 40, or predict that three snowfalls would follow the first forsythia bloom each year.
Although Ganahl delivered his final on-air forecast on NBC4 on September 1, 2016, he continued working with the station until July 2017. After a brief retirement, he returned in a part-time role at WSYX/WTTE before finally stepping down last March.
Ganahl is survived by two daughters and seven grandchildren, who will deeply miss his warmth, wisdom, and infectious enthusiasm for weather reporting. His passing has sent shockwaves throughout the Columbus community, where he was revered as a trusted and beloved figure in local broadcasting.
As news of Ganahl’s passing spread, tributes began pouring in from colleagues, viewers, and fellow meteorologists. Ben Gelber, his longtime partner in weather reporting, remembered Ganahl as a “true gentleman and a master of his craft.” Gelber praised Ganahl’s dedication to his work, his passion for weather reporting, and his unwavering commitment to serving the Columbus community.
Ganahl’s legacy extends far beyond his impressive career in meteorology. He will be remembered for his kindness, his generosity, and his ability to make complex weather concepts accessible to audiences of all ages. As the Columbus community mourns the loss of this beloved figure, they will also celebrate his remarkable life, his enduring legacy, and the countless lives he touched through his work.
In the words of Ben Gelber, “Jym Ganahl was more than just a meteorologist – he was a true friend, a mentor, and a shining example of what it means to live a life of purpose, passion, and dedication to one’s craft.” As the Columbus community bids farewell to this remarkable individual, they will continue to draw inspiration from his life’s work, and his memory will remain etched in the hearts of all who knew him.
