Jym Ganahl Obituary & Death: The Columbus community is mourning the loss of beloved former NBC4 chief meteorologist Jym Ganahl, who passed away at the age of 76. His family announced his passing on Tuesday, revealing that he died of natural causes on February 3. Out of respect for privacy, they chose to hold a personal funeral service before sharing the news publicly.
A Lifetime Dedicated to Weather
Ganahl was a staple in the Columbus media landscape, spending nearly 60 years on air as a meteorologist. His passion for weather developed early—by the time he was 17 years old, he was already forecasting, long before entering college. This lifelong dedication to meteorology shaped a career that made him a trusted and familiar face in central Ohio.
Originally from Iowa, Ganahl began his broadcasting journey in his home state before moving to Columbus, where he joined NBC4 in 1979. His warm personality and deep understanding of weather patterns quickly earned him a loyal following. Over the years, he became one of the most recognized meteorologists in the region, known for his engaging delivery and ability to explain complex weather conditions in an accessible way.
A Trusted Voice in Columbus
Throughout his tenure at NBC4, Ganahl worked alongside many respected broadcasters, including sports anchor Jimmy Crum, news anchors Doug Adair and Colleen Marshall, and fellow meteorologists. His presence in Columbus households became a fixture, as viewers relied on him for accurate and dependable forecasts.
Whether covering severe weather, winter storms, or sunny summer days, Ganahl was a trusted voice who helped the community stay informed and prepared. His ability to convey important weather information with clarity and a personal touch made him a household name.
Continuing His Passion Beyond NBC4
After nearly four decades with NBC4, Ganahl delivered his final on-air forecast for the station on September 1, 2016. However, his love for meteorology never faded. He remained on staff until July 2017, before transitioning to WSYX/WTTE, where he continued providing forecasts for central Ohio. Even in his later years, his enthusiasm for weather remained unwavering.
In March 2024, after an extraordinary 58-year career in meteorology, Ganahl officially retired. His contributions to the field were immense, and his impact on the Columbus community was undeniable.
Honoring Jym Ganahl’s Legacy
Jym Ganahl’s passing marks the end of an era in Columbus broadcasting, but his legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched. His dedication, warmth, and passion for meteorology made him an icon in central Ohio, and his influence will be felt for generations to come.
As the Columbus community remembers Jym Ganahl, we honor a man who not only forecasted the weather but became a part of people’s daily lives. His work was more than a profession—it was a lifelong commitment to keeping others informed and safe.
Rest in peace, Jym Ganahl. Your voice, wisdom, and love for meteorology will be dearly missed but never forgotten.