Jym Ganahl Has Died Aged 76: Ohio Meteorologist Remembered for His Legacy in Weather Broadcasting
An adored Ohio meteorologist, who cherished weather and spent decades in television, Jym Ganahl has died at age 76. His family announced that he died of natural causes in February 3rd, 2025, but they wanted to keep it quiet until after the funeral service.
Ganahl, a chief meteorologist for NBC4 (WCMH-TV) and later ABC6 (WSYX/WTTE), had been a household name in Ohio for nearly 60 years. His commitment to weather forecasting, engaging demeanor, and great knowledge of meteorology made him a respected figure in Central Ohio.
A Meteorologist’s Journey: From Iowa to Ohio
Jym Ganahl started out impressively early in the field of weather forecasting. He was only 12 years old when he began to focus on weather after being particularly frustrated when a fail in prediction caused a school closing. At 17 years old, he audaciously entered a TV station in his hometown of Waterloo, Iowa, to convince the station manager to give him a break. His self-confidence and talent landed him the job as a weatherman and set the stage for a long and illustrious career.
In 1979 Ganahl moved to Columbus, Ohio, to join NBC4 (WCMH-TV). Under Ganahl, that station became home to one of the most iconic news teams in the 1980s: Doug Adair, Mona Scott, and Jimmy Crum formed one of the most recognized news teams in Central Ohio.
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A Passion That Does Not Fade
After almost 40 years on NBC4, Ganahl retired in 2016—but not for long. One year later, he signed on with ABC6 (WSYX/WTTE), saying he was “too bored” during retirement. In coming back to television, there were seven more years of doing what he loved to do: forecasting weather and connecting with viewers.
Jym Ganahl, an adored Ohio meteorologist who cherished weather and spent decades in television, died at age 76. His family announced that he died of natural causes in February 3rd, 2025, but they wanted to keep it quiet until after the funeral service.
Ganahl, a chief meteorologist for NBC4 (WCMH-TV) and later ABC6 (WSYX/WTTE), had been a household name in Ohio for nearly 60 years. His commitment to weather forecasting, engaging demeanor, and great knowledge of meteorology made him a respected figure in Central Ohio.
Tributes Pour In for Jym Ganahl
Following the news that Jym Ganahl has died, tributes from former colleagues, fans, and Ohio residents have flooded social media.
- Matt Barnes of NBC4 wrote, “Loved my time working with Jym. Was always kind to me, and man, did he have a passion for weather and Iowa.”
- Kevin Noon of BuckeyeHuddle described Ganahl as “one of the pillars of Columbus television media.”
- Fans also expressed their sadness online, calling him “the GOAT of Central Ohio weather” and “a tremendous guy.”
Ganahl was known for his unique knowledge of weather, including folklore techniques like counting cricket chirps to determine the temperature. He was a mentor to many, including NBC4 meteorologist Ben Gelber, who worked alongside him for decades.
Jym Ganahl’s Legacy in Ohio Meteorology
Ganahl’s impact on Ohio meteorology goes beyond just his weather reports. His warmth, humor, and dedication to forecasting made him a cherished figure in Columbus and beyond. While he may be gone, his influence on weather broadcasting and his connection with the Ohio community will not be forgotten.
As Ohio remembers this legendary meteorologist, one thing remains certain—Jym Ganahl’s legacy will live on through the stories, memories, and forecasts he shared with his viewers.
Final Thoughts
The loss of Jym Ganahl marks the end of an era for Ohio meteorology. His dedication to keeping Ohioans informed about the weather, his mentorship to fellow meteorologists, and his warm personality made him a truly special figure.
Our thoughts go out to his family, friends, and the many viewers who welcomed him into their homes over the decades. Rest in peace, Jym Ganahl.
References:
https://www.nbc4i.com/news/local-news/columbus/former-nbc4-meteorologist-jym-ganahl-dies-at-age-76
https://thespun.com/trending/tributes-are-pouring-in-after-death-of-iconic-weatherman-jym-ganahl
