James Wychor

Born in humble beginnings to Ukrainian immigrants John and Celia Wychor in Columbia Heights on a sustainable farm; he learned the value of hard work. While growing up he worked delivering ice, building fires in the steam engines for the Soo line railroad, worked in the linseen milland played on a semi pro hockey team. After joining the National Guard, he was called to active duty during the Korean war. He served two years as camp cook at Fort Rucker army base in Alabama. After serving his country he attended Brown Institute for broadcasting. Starting in 1953 he has done just about everything there is to do in radio, from an announcer to program director to engineer to sales and management at stations in Iowa, Michigan, West Virginia and Minnesota. He found a home at KWOA in Worthington. For 26 years he was KWOA's co-owner, vice president, and general manager where he made the station part of the lives of listeners throughout the region. As the president and CEO of the Minnesota Broadcasters from 1989 to 1997 he revitalized that organization. He will be remembered for his many contributions as an outstanding advocate for the broadcast industry.

Always a promoter, he was involved in church and community. Some highlights include playing many roles in voices of the passion at St. Matthews church. He was a master gardener and loved sharing his bounty with many people. He was a director of the National Junior College Wrestling Tournament.

As one of the founders of the Great Gobble Gallop for King Turkey Day he was on the first racing team. There are so many more, too numerous to name.

His biggest supporter of his work and community involvement was his wife Carol. They married in 1958 and together they raised four children; Susan, James, Matthew and Lawrence. He was a proud, passionate, dedicated, family man. He never missed a band or choir concert, football game or wrestling meet. He boasted to all about his children, 8 grandkids and 9 great-grandkids.

He is survived by sons Jim (Diane) Wychor of Circle Pines, Matt (Jane) Wychor of Glyndon; grandchildren, Carla (Jim) Bidwell, David Wychor, Jimmy (Amber) Wychor, Adam Wychor, John (Brittney) Wychor, Tim Wychor, and Tom Wychor; great grandchildren, Rebecca, Holly, and Brooke Bidwell, Reese and JJ Wychor, Cooper Wychor, Elliot and Jackson Wychor.

He was preceded in death by his wife Carol, daughter Susan, son Larry, grandson Mary and great granddaughter Gretchen.

Memorial Service to be live streamed at: https://www.goodshepherdlink.org/