Longtime Hawaii sports broadcaster Jim Leahey dies at 80
Jim Leahey, who began his athletic career at the University of Hawaii almost 60 years ago, passed away on Monday. He was 80.
Leahey has announced thousands of Hawaii games in numerous sports during his career, beginning with his work as the PA announcer for the first Rainbow Classic in 1964. He assumed Hawaii play-by-play duties in 1973 – after being with worked with his father Chuck. as a radio broadcast analyst – and in 1984 began calling televised Hawaii games – KGMB, KFVE and OCSports. He was inducted into the University of Hawaii Sports Circle of Honor in 2016 and retired in 2018.
The University of Hawaii Athletics released a statement Monday:
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Jim Leahey, who was the voice of sport at the University of Hawaii for more than four decades. Jim was there for our greatest moments. Its iconic and colorful shouts are etched in our collective memory. Jim was articulate, knowledgeable, and above all else a passionate supporter of this state and its great culture and sports teams. A giant in the industry, Jim inherited the broadcasting torch from his father Chuck and has since passed it to his son Kanoa. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the entire Leahey ‘ohana at this difficult time.
The Hawaii sports community has been devastated by the news, and many fans have shared their tributes, including some of Leahey’s iconic shouts:
His words, poetic. His camera presence, remarkable. Its influence, historical. Aloha Jim Leahey, you will be missed forever. ? pic.twitter.com/h4i6IOIQOg
— Hawaii Athletics (@HawaiiAthletics) January 31, 2023
“How cute it is, how cute it is” – Mahalo for the memories of Uncle Jim. #Hawaii loves you #RIPJimLeahey #pops @KanoaLeahey ❤️ https://t.co/BgABB1PSEz ? @c_shimabuku pic.twitter.com/IcH2t4X3rZ
— Rob DeMello (@RobDeMelloKHON) January 30, 2023
I feel very privileged to say that Jim Leahey and I were more than friends. We shared 13 unforgettable football seasons and did University of Hawaii games on radio and television. pic.twitter.com/Gr6Zkc5VFn
— Mayor Rick Blangiardi (@MayorRickHNL) January 30, 2023
“EXCUSE ME WHILE I KISS THE SKY!”
Rest in Paradise Jim Leahey ❤️ pic.twitter.com/t12NWhJiax
— Fuchsia (@fyoosha) January 31, 2023
As a sports reporter, Jim Leahey had the rare gift of knowing when to be quiet and allowing fans to simply savor the moment. RIP Legend, thank you for your lifelong dedication to the sport of Hawaii. pic.twitter.com/dOLL0f2SOA
– HI Sports Forever (@HISportsForever) January 30, 2023
The passion Jim Leahey had for Hawaiian sports will forever be unmatched. Growing up, he made us all Hawaii fans for life. RIP legend. pic.twitter.com/JRuRHJvg6l
– HI Sports Forever (@HISportsForever) January 30, 2023
Rest in peace to the legend and voice of Hawaiian sports, Jim Leahey. His iconic voice and play calling will forever be ingrained in Hawaiian sports history. https://t.co/TBlLE5oFyn
– HI Sports Forever (@HISportsForever) January 30, 2023
Jim’s son Kanoa is now the TV play-by-play voice for the sport of Rainbow Warriors. For nearly a decade, they co-hosted a weekly sports talk show. Leahey and Leahey.
[Hawaii Athletics; Hawaii News Now; KHON2; Photo Credit: Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi]
