University of Hawai’i sports announcer Jim Leahey passed away yesterday at age 80.

As a teenager, Leahey made his broadcast debut after his father, Chuck, came down with a lung infection prior to the broadcast of the all-service boxing card from Conroy Bowl at Schofield Barracks.

He began his decades-long involvement with UH as the P.A. announcer for the inaugural Rainbow Classic in 1964. He took over play by play duties in 1973 and commented over 1000 games during his career. He was inducted into the University of Hawaiʻi’s Sports Circle of Honor in 2016 and retired in 2018 at 75 years old.

Governor Josh Green M.D. released the following statement regarding Leahey’s passing:

“Our hearts are heavy over the passing of legendary sportscaster Jim Leahey, part of a Hawai‘i sportscasting dynasty who followed in his father Chuck’s footsteps and whose son Kanoa has carried on the family tradition. Jim called some of the biggest, most triumphant games in Hawai‘i’s athletic history. We send our deepest condolences to the Leahey ʻohana, his longtime fellow broadcasters and his legions of fans.”

Leahey is survived by his wife Toni, three children and one grandchild.

 

Photo credit: University of Hawai’i