New And Old Colleagues Reminisce About Jim Giles

Thursday, December 21st 2006, 11:20 am

By: News On 6

Jim Giles touched so many in his life both viewers and his co-workers. News on 6 anchor Scott Thompson sat next to Jim for a long time; he says it was a pleasure and honor to set next to him every night.

There were others who shared the set with Jim, and we all remember a man who was gracious and caring until the last.

"Jim leaves a legacy of a wonderful family, family at home and a family in TV, followers, viewers, you know. No one can take his place," said former News on 6 anchor Beth Rengel.

Beth Rengel sat side by side with Jim for almost a decade, behind the anchor desk and at special events.

Partner Clayton Vaughn remembers Jim's genuine joy, always sharing a smile with a stranger.

"If you wanted to go back to the old Will Rogers thing, about I never met a man I didn't like, the only thing you'd have to do to apply that to Jim would be to extend it a little bit, I never met a man, woman, child, and a lot of animals I didn't like, because he really, honest to God, did," former News on 6 anchor Clayton Vaughn said.

The fourth member of that news team for the late 80â€™s and early 90â€™s, Sports Director John Walls, he reflected on Jim's commitment to Oklahomans, especially keeping them safe in severe weather.

"It's difficult to quantify that kind of love and that kind of passion, but if everybody had it, I know Oklahoma and everywhere else would be that much of a better place," said Walls.

Competitors admired and respected Jim as a broadcaster and as a teacher.
"Jim really set the standard as far as staying calm. This information we look at sometimes can be terrifying but when you looked at Jim you felt like you were getting the straight scoop," said Dan Threlkeld
KJRH Chief Meteorologist

Jim mentored many, he was always eager to encourage young meteorologists, and Jimâ€™s legacy lives on through those who learned their craft at his side.

"I think Northeast Oklahoma has lost an icon. I've lost a big person, a big influence on me and my life," said James Aydelott, former 6 In The Morning meteorologist.

"There ought to be a gazillion Jim Gilesâ€™. We all ought to try to adopt some of those characteristics and particularly to appreciate life as a gift," Vaughn said.

If you would like to pay your respects to Jim's family in person, a public memorial service will be held next Tuesday December 26th. It will be at 2 p.m., at the German American Society Hall on 15th Street, just west of Lewis.

Condolences may be sent to rememberingjim@newson6.net