James "Jim" Garchow

JIM GARCHOW IDAHO FALLS, IDAHO -- James Clair Garchow, 72, of Idaho Falls, passed away September 20th, 2009 of acute leukemia at his home surrounded by his family. James, more commonly known as Jim, was born December 6, 1936 in Mancelona, Michigan to Clair and Ruth Garchow. He attended school in Mancelona until 1947 when his family moved to Mesa, Arizona, where he then attended junior high school. His family again moved in 1950, this time to Coolidge, Arizona where Jim attended Coolidge High School. Following graduation, Jim enlisted in the U.S. Navy towards the end of the Korean War. Although he witnessed the test explosions of 5 Hydrogen bombs in the Marshall Islands in 1956, he saw no combat but was proud of his efforts as a Korean War veteran. Following honorable discharge in 1955, Jim returned to Arizona where he hosted a weekly radio program “Stars behind bars” while employed as a guard at the Arizona State Prison. Soon after his return to Arizona, a legend was born as Jim began his radio career when he became a disc jockey at the radio station KCKY in Coolidge. It was at KCKY that Jim became fast friends with a fellow disc jockey—later known to the world as legendary country music singer Waylon Jennings. This became a lifelong friendship that would last until Waylon’s passing in 2002. His broadcast of an American Legion Baseball Tournament in 1960 was his first as a Sportscaster. In 1961 Jim married Brenda Joy Moman. They lived in Flagstaff, Arizona and had two daughters, Gina Capri and Kelly Leigh. He was the voice of the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks, as well as, Sales Manager at KCLS Radio. In September of 1969, Jim was sent to Idaho Falls by his mentor, Charles Saunders, to assume the position of General Manager of KUPI radio. In October of the same year he changed the format of the station to country western, which resulted in KUPI becoming one of the most respected radio stations in the state. In 1970 Jim began broadcasting for the Idaho Falls Angels. His third daughter Stacey Dawn was born while he was broadcasting a game at Highland Park. In 1976 Jim became the voice of Skyline High School, broadcasting all football and basketball games as well as many Idaho Falls High School games. At the age of 36, Jim suffered his first heart attack. Four years later a second heart attack occurred. He later underwent a high risk bypass surgery at Stanford University but issues prevailed. Jim’s heart problems finally came to an end on July 23, 1987 when he had a heart transplant. He supported and spoke on behalf of organ donation through his life. At the time of his passing, he was the longest living heart transplant recipient from the University of Utah transplant program. In 2000 his wife of 39 years, Brenda, died from cancer. They had enjoyed traveling to Chicago, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Hawaii, and Seattle. One of the more memorable trips was attending the Kentucky Derby with Waylon Jennings and his wife Jesse Coulter. Jim’s passion for sports began as a young boy in Michigan with his love of the Detroit Tigers. Along with playing football and baseball in high school, Jim later played men’s fast pitch softball and won the Northwest Regional Championship as coach of the Q99 Women’s Fast pitch softball team. Jim also loved bowling, and was inducted into the Men’s and Women’s Idaho Falls Bowling Association Hall of Fame in the mid 1980’s. He found great enjoyment as an honorary member of the coaching staff of Mahlon Rasmuson. In 1988 Jim began a love/hate relationship with golf, which fast became his favorite pastime. Professionally, Jim’s greatest accomplishment was the success of KUPI radio in his 37 years as General Manager. The longevity of his staff was evidence of his leadership and keen eye for talent. He was very proud of the success of his employees and passionate about serving his customers and community. In 2006, at the age of 69 Jim stepped down as General Manager of the radio station and up until the time of his death, acted as Executive Vice-President of Sandhill Media which had become the new owner of KUPI. In 2007 he was the first person inducted into the Skyline High School Hall of Fame. No sportscaster in all of minor league baseball had a longer tenure with the same baseball team as Jim in his 39 years as the voice of the Idaho Falls Chukars. In 2005, he was recognized by the Idaho High School Activities Association with the Duane Wolfe Memorial Award for his longtime support of high school athletics. Along with John Balginy, he won the Idaho State Broadcasters Association award for Best Sports Broadcast with the play by play of the Emotion Bowl in 2004. In the final years of his life, Jim found his greatest joy was with his close friends and family. He and longtime companion Darlene Charlton enjoyed trips to Arizona, San Diego, Niagara Falls, and New England to watch the leaves change in the Fall. He is survived by daughters Gina (Scott) Berger, Kelly Palmer, and Stacey (Rod) Mason of Idaho Falls; grandchildren Katelyn and Michael Berger, Krystal and Samantha Palmer, Jordyn, Sophie, and Ryan Mason; brother Jack Garchow of Ajo, Arizona; RT, Luna Mae and Tim (Jody) Moman of Phoenix, Arizona; Darlene, Scott, Todd, and Brenda Charlton; and Charles Saunders of Phoenix, Arizona. He was preceded in death by his wife Brenda, father Clair Garchow, mother Ruth Gilman, brother Don Garchow and special friends Waylon Jennings, Bill Jewell, Lew Gourley, and Mahlon Rasmuson. Through his life, Jim quietly supported individual athletes in need by purchasing shoes, gear, or uniforms. He also helped with travel costs or participation fees whether he knew them or not. He never wanted anyone to be unable to be involved in school activities due to financial hardship. The family requested that others do the same in his honor. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, September 26, 2009, at Wood Funeral Home East Side (963 S. Ammon Rd.). The family will visit with friends from 9:30 until 10:45 a.m. prior to services at the funeral home. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery. ---------------------------------------------------- Condolences received online: Craig Ritchie craig.ritchie@dougandrus.com I first met Jim when I was a young sporting goods manager in a local store in th early 70's. Jim was trying to convince me that people who skied liked country music, he helped me so much with advertising he was more like an agent rather than a advertising rep. He would help me blend his radio with other media. I continued to buy advertising from him for 25 years and always trusted his judgement, Jim was a loyal Customer as well and I became his Appliance man in later years. I also had contact with Jim as he called many of my sons football, basketball and baseball games and tagged my son "Gentle Ben",What a GREAT privilege it was to know Jim and work with him in business and the pleasure of hearing him call my son's games. Its only once in a while that someone of his talent, character, kindness and personality comes along. Thanks for sharing him with us all these years! Kellogg Family electricmotorsvc@qwestoffice.net Our family shares your sorrow. Jim put Idaho Falls on the map. He will be deeply missed. With Love: The Kelloggs Debbie (Teraguchi) Norris Mcfan10@cableone.net Kelly and Stacy - I will miss your Dad's voice on the radio and miss seeing him at the bowling alley. I remember your Mom and Dad bowling with me and my brother in the Pro Am tournaments when we were younger - and having such fun. Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend the services. I will be taking my kids to a bowling tournament in Burley. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Cynthia M. Hohbach chohbach@fs.fed.us Kelly, my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. God Bless, Cynthia Arantza Zabala Dear Darlene, I remember with a smile how you were like a school girl when you and Jim started dating. It was so nice to see happiness in your eyes again and to hear you giggle. Those memories break my heart in sorrow for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family. I will be presenting a work shop in Pocatello Saturday, but will have you in my heart and mind. Arantza Don and Karen Moedl dkmoedl@fromtiernet..net Our thoughts are with his family at this time He was a true gentleman and always a good guy. Kent & Lori Thacker kthacker@1st.net Our thoughts and prayers are with you. A couple of years ago our company had business meetings in Scottsdale, AZ and Jim made reservations for us at the Pink Pony. We have never been treated more like royalty than we were that night! We will miss you Jim. Love, Kent & Lori Jim and Lynn Haney To the Garchow “Girls” - We are sad to hear of your dad’s passing. What a full life he lived, doing what he loved. We are happy to have known your mom and dad and to have been among their many friends. Sincerely, Jim and Lynn Haney Michael Steele mike@sandhillradio.com Jim will always be one of the highlights of my radio career. I only knew him for 3 years but he had a huge impact on me. He was among the first to grab me when I moved here and took me to lunch (ham and bean soup at the Red Lion)..the first of many of our lunches together. Afterwards I never knew where we would end up driving around so he could show me the area. Thanks for the antecdotes, stories, jokes, being an advice giver and loving the business as much as you did. Except for my father, a man of greater honesty and integrity I have yet to find. Cheers Jim! I am going to miss you. Mike Dennis Carlson (Boise, ID) den2see@yahoo.com Jim was a difference maker in so many peoples lives including mine. Just prior to graduating from the University of Idaho in 1973, I received a call one early morning from Jim. He asked if I had found a job yet and I said no. He proceeded to offer me a job and so began an incredible working relationship and friendship for the next 33 years. Working for Jim was truly an honor and privilege. He was an example . . . a model that I tried to follow. His life was all about respect for others, grace, mercy, civility, forgiveness and generosity. And even in the midst of his many medical setbacks and sufferings, Jim always pressed on towards the goal. He fought the good fight. Jim you changed my life and many others. You were a difference maker. And in the end that's what probably counts most. Hilary Kimbro 62155@msn.com Jim made hearing the emotion bowl enjoyable. He will be missed. Hilary, Debbie, Steve John Holstad Dear Gina, Kelly, and Stacey: I've been your dad's friend the longest of anybody. We were both born in 1936, in Mancelona, Michigan. Both of our parents were very close friends. Jim and I spent our first eleven years, playing, and rooting for the Tigers. Since your dad went West, we kept in touch during the past 61 years. For me, two of the most important dates, are (our birthdays): December 6, and March 23, because I knew I'd be talking to Jim. The only time we missed phoning each was in the fifties, when Jim was in the service, and I was away at college. I'm going to really miss those calls. Elorise and I share your grief. K.C. Jones refromkcjones@gmail.com Dear Garchow Family, Your father, father-in-law, grandfather and friend was one of the best men I have ever known. From the time we first met in the early 80's until my last visit with him this summer, I have admired his professionalism, his kindness, and his courage. One of the greatest honors I have ever had was working the Skyline football games with him on the radio. I would often get caught up watching and listening to him call the game, and forget my job. He tried to discourage me from using the word 'we' when describing our Grizzlies - that would sound unprofessional and small-town. Did you ever notice that he never commented on officials over the air? He only said, "The fans do not seem happy with that call." That is the professional way to do it. But I also became acquainted with Jim as a family man. I got to watch him interact with his 'girls' and his son-in-law and his grandkids. His first love was not the Chukars or high school sports. Even though he loved the Grizzlies and Skyline High School, he loved his family more. He loved to talk about his 'girls'. I am sure that this has been a difficult time, but the pain will pass and you will be able to sit back and remember all the great times you had together and consider the legacy he left for your family and our community. He was quite a man. Leigh Barnhill I was very saddened by the passing of Mr. Garchow. He was a patient of ours. I work for Dr. Terry Baker, ENT. Our office saw Mr. "Jim" Garchow on different occasions. He was always so friendly and talkative --- always seemed interested in what interested all of us. Mr. Garchow will truly be missed --- especially in our office. Brian Rupp My prayers and thoughts are with the entire Garchow family and especially Darlene. Jim was an exceptional man and will be missed by an entire community. Although my time in Idaho Falls was somewhat brief, the impact Jim made on me was substantial. He went out of his way to make things easy for me, even going as far as opening his home to me. Idaho Falls lost a great man but Heaven just got a little bit brighter. MIke Lowe [thelowegroup@cfl.rr.com] The Garchow Family, Jim was and is a true GENTELMAN in every sense of the word. It is a great honor for me to have known him and to have had the opportunity to work closely with him through the years. In this time of great sorrow for you, please be comforted in knowing what a positive and lasting impression this man has left on so, so many of people. They don’t build them like Jim Garchow any more. With Great Respect, Mike Lowe Phyllis A. Ker fifiphyl@msn.com Dear Gina, Kelly, Stacey, and extended family, I was so sad to hear that Jim had passed on. It is the end of an era for KUPI for sure, He was a great boss, and although we butted horns from time to time, I count my time with him as a very special time, and will miss him. I am glad that we resolved our differences and that in the last year, we could smile and say hi to each other. I am so sorry that he will no longer be here for any of us....my sympathies and will see you on Saturday (Friday, of course, Carol M, Jane and Sandi and I will be bringing you dinner. Our pleasure.) Greg & Theresa Ker and Jim & Ginny Teneyck gregkwsco@qwestoffice.net Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Jim was a very exceptional man, he was always a pleasure to talk and joke with. He will be missed. Sincerely, The Ker's and Teneyck's Dane Watkins thewatkinscompany@cs.com Dane Watkins I want to send my condolences on the recent passing of your husband and father. He will be missed by all who knew him, He was a great person and his outstanding accomplishments will always be remembered by our community. Sherry and I want you to know that out prayers are with you and your family. John Hadden hadden.john@gmail.com Having the chance to work with Jim during his long career is something I'll cherish throughout my own career. On and off the air Jim shared his talents, hard work and honest opinions with people without wasting words, which is exactly what fans are looking for in a broadcaster. The two years I worked with Jim were enjoyable and educational, and for that I wish I had more opportunities to thank him. He will be missed by the many that he touched in person or through the airwaves. Cindy Baker Gina, Kelley and Stacey, I am so very sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful man. How blessed he was to have three loving and attentive daughters. May the Lord hold you closely and may HE bring Peace in your hearts. Love, Cindy Una Tyng Our deepest sympathy to your family in the passing of a wonderful broadcaster. I was born and raised in Idaho Falls and he was the best sports broadcaster in the area. Our family all know and our kids had Scott Berger (go Skyline) as a teacher and coach. Also I know Darlene. We will not be in Idaho Falls this weekend. Our condolences. Bob, Una, Ryan & Kelly Tyng The Hamman Family kchamman@cableone.net The Gift of Thoughtfulness It was the fall of 2004 at Raveston stadium during the Emotion Bowl. My wife and I were sitting in the “blue section” watching one of the biggest games of our son’s final year playing football for the Skyline Grizzlies. I was in charge of recording the radio station broadcast of the game using a cassette tape recorder. Well, with the Grizzlies down by 5 points and all the excitement (especially the last minutes of the game), I did not start the tape recorder. The next day when my son was told that the final minutes of the game were not recorded, he was understandably disappointed. Well, several weeks later Jim Garchow approached my wife and me at a Skyline High School event, and he handed us a CD. He mentioned that the CD was for our son. That evening we gave it to Kyle. To his surprise and delight, the CD contained the radio broadcast of the last 10 minutes of the game. The radio broadcast and the thoughtfulness of Jim will be talked about in our family for years to come. This is just one example of the impact that Jim had on the lives of an everyday family. He will be sadly missed, and his thoughtfulness will always be remembered. - The Hamman Family Debbie Hamilton TEDEB3@aol.com Darlene and Garchow Family: I was so sorry to hear about Jim. I lost touch with Jim after I left the golf course, and then the day came that I was given an address to deliver meals to no other than Jim. It was so refreshing to see his smiling face and kind voice when we saw one another. It was as if I had seen him the day before. He was always grateful for everything and very appreciative. He was the type of man that after you talked to him, even for just a minute, you felt like you were on top of the world. My last memory of Jim will always be a pleasant one. He told me, "Debbie, I will eat whatever you bring me for lunch except for brussel sprouts. I hate them and please never bring them to me." So I did what I could and the day came that we were having brussel sprouts and I just knew he would make me take them out of the tray, so I managed to fix a tray without brussel sprouts and wouldn't you know it--I gave that tray to someone else by mistake. I knew he wouldn't let me live it down. I will miss him greatly. He was the bright spot in my day. My best to all of you and my deepest sympathy to all of you, as well. He was a great man, and he left a great legacy. Debbie Hamilton Kim and Tony Arehart Kelly, Gina, Stacey and extended family: I did not know Jim because of a radio station or sports announcing. So while it is amazing to read about all of those wonderful years of his life and all he accomplished, I feel that I am truly blessed to have known Jim as the father of three beautiful daughters, and grandfather of some pretty amazing grandkids. I had the pleasure of getting to know Jim because we babysat a little girl named Krystal, whom we soon nick-named Jungle Woman because she had so much energy we were pretty sure she could swing through a jungle, giving every monkey there a run for their money. Lucky for us, Krystal has been a part of our lives since then. We also had the pleasure, on occasion, of spending time with her cousin Michael, whom we nick-named Harley, because we never saw him without his Harley jacket on. Years later we had to ask what his name was because we only knew him as Harley. My conversations with Jim were not about a sporting event, but more about his beautiful family that he adored beyond words. It is apparent that there are countless people that have had their lives touched by Jim Garchow, and while he will be sadly missed by many, I don’t doubt for a minute that he is in a greater place. For Tony and I, Jim was family just as all of you are. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all as your family and this community join together to celebrate his life. We love you all. Mark and Carol Crumley ccrumley@cableone.net We have such fond memories of Jim and will miss surely miss him. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Jean Becker ronette.charlton@earthlink.net My thoughts and prayers are with you; he will be missed more than you know. With loving thoughts, Jean Shipley-Becker Kelli Toole Marshall marsmike@ida.net Dear Gina, Kelly, and Stacey, I am so sorry to hear about your dad. He was such a kind and friendly man. He always had a smile for everyone. He will be truly missed. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Peace be with all of you and your families. Sincerely, Kelli Linda Fitch lindasfitch@msn.com Please accept our sincere sympathy for the loss of your Father. Jim was a gentleman. He will be missed for so many reasons, his wonderful sense of humor, and the way he always made everyone feel special. We cannot feel life's losses without first feeling the blessing we have been given. Your Father was a blessing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Cindy Carlson guesthse@ida.net So sorry to hear about your dad. I have been out of town since the 18th of September and have just returned. Sadness can turn to joy when you think about the reunion that Jim and Brenda are having at this time. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Love,Cindy Betsy (Lehto) Mitchell Dear Kelly, Stacey, and Gina, I was saddened to hear of your father's passing. I fondly remember him from many years ago. Please know that my prayers will always be with you. Sincerely, Betsy Mitchell Wade Virgin wade.virgin@labor.idaho.gov Dear Garchow children (especially my friend Kelly), My sincere sympathy to you for the loss of your dad. Wow, what an awesome person. Kelly, when I visited briefly with you and your father a couple of weeks ago at the emergency room at EIRMC, I was so touched. I asked Jim how he was doing, he smiled and said, "I guess I am doing pretty good". He could have went on and on about how his health was deteriorating but he didn't. If I could describe your dad's best attribute in one word, it would be "gratitude". He was always so grateful for whatever he had-especially for his extended life due to the heart transplant. I first heard Renell and him speak at a Chamber of Commerce meeting. I was extremely touched by their story as I had recently had a son pass away. It was so uplifting to listen to them. I invited them to speak to our staff at Job Service wondering if they would have the time to speak. They both so graciously accepted. Several of our staff members still refer to their presentation as the most motivating presentation they have ever listened to. In that presentation he included how proud he was of each of his children. He then went on and told us a little bit about each of you and your accomplishments. There was no doubt that he loved each of you deeply. May God bless and help each of you through the grieving process. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Sincerely, Wade Virgin Leslee Gemmill gem@northwest.com Stacey - while I never met your dad, reading his obituary made me feel as though I've known him a long time. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend to many. I'm sorry to learn of his passing and know my thoughts and prayers are with you. Michelle Rice Your father was a great friend to many. May the concern and sympathy of those who care help you through this difficult time. God Bless