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Local sports scene loses a friend
A Washington High School and Bethany College graduate, Jim had been with the O-R's sports staff since 2004, primarily covering high school sports.
Like all of us who work in sports, Jim loved games. He loved competition. He loved writing about the people who competed in games. It didn't matter if it was football, basketball, track and field, golf, swimming or junior high tiddlywinks, Jim enjoyed covering these events.
He also had a passion for telling the stories of the athletes who persevered and overcame adversity. Jim had an ability to bring the human element into a story. He gave you a reason to root for the kid from down the street, or from the neighboring town or from another county.
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Jim was diagnosed at age 9 with an immune deficiency that eventually derailed his promising future as an athlete. Coming from a family of athletes, you know this had to make Jim ask, "Why me?" He never let that disappointment show.
Then there were his battles with cancer that started at age 15. What eventually took Jim's life was the J.C. Virus. You and I have probably come in contact with this virus but the result was nothing more than feeling sub-par for a day. For Jim, it was fatal. There are fewer than 30 documented cases of this virus. It took a rare disease to get the best of this rare person.
Over the years, there were numerous monthly injections of gamma globulins to protect Jim from infections and elevate his immune system, countless shots to boost his white blood cells, innumerable tests and too many intravenous drips and trips to the doctor and hospital to remember.
To put it in sports terms, Jim kept fouling off two-strike pitches, extending his at-bat, staying alive. He stayed alive for his team - his family, his friends and the athletes he had yet to write about. He never complained about the bad calls he was given.
Complain, now that was something Jim didn't know how to do.
He never complained when given an assignment. No task was too small, too petty. It didn't matter if he was taking a youth baseball score over the telephone or covering a state championship event, Jim attacked each with the same enthusiasm and his incredible attention to detail, the latter being legendary in the newsroom.
Jim's death comes at a time when he would have been his busiest at the O-R. Three local high school baseball teams will play in the state semifinals today - something that has never happened before - and that comes on the heels of the area's best track season in several years. Because of his illness, Jim wasn't able to witness and chronicle these accomplishments. They would have been the events Jim covered for the O-R. It has been hard the last few weeks thinking about where Jim wasn't.
Wherever Jim is today, here's hoping that the golf courses are always open, the copy editors allow him to write four extra inches on Athlete of the Week stories and deadline is always an hour away.
Sports editor Chris Dugan can be reached at dugan@observer-reporter.com
Jimmy : 6/9/2008
Jimmy will be remembered and missed
Jim M. : 6/9/2008
I had the great fortune of crossing paths with Jim Montecalvo numerous times in recent years and I am saddened greatly by his passing. Seeing and talking with Jim always improved my mood - he was a great friend of athletics in our area. His passion was truly contagious. Jim and his family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jimmy : 6/9/2008
We are all missing something in our lives today. Whether it was Jim's companionship on the golf course, or his stellar sports reporting, he will be missed. Jim was a great friend of mine, and I hope that everyone remembers him for his strength, determination, and humor. My deepest sympathies go out to his family and friends that were touched by his courageous life.
Jimmy : 6/9/2008
Jimmy will never be forgotten. He had a smile that would light up any room, and the personality of a superhero, always wanting to help those who may need him. He will be greatly missed. My prayers are with the Montecalvo family.
RIP ~ Jimmy : 6/10/2008
its so hard to believe you are no longer here. This was a beautiful article. He will be greatly missed. My heart and prayers go out to his family and friends and all who knew and loved him. Rest in peace now my friend.
Jimmy : 6/10/2008
I was a friend & teammate of jimmy's @ whs. He simply was the most coragious & enthusiastic guy I ever met. He & fellow teammates & coaches gave me the nickname of "all-business" yrs. ago, though I felt jimmy was more suited of such a title for all he'd overcome in order to truly appreciate life & take part in athletics. He had a determination, will power, & drive that was unmatched. He may not have been tall in stature, but sure made up for that in heart, work ethic, character & outstanding attitude. Jim was the embodiment of what WHS Prexie Pride stands for & is all about. I'm sure he's above with coach Mo' Bailey, standing out as true angles of the gridiron! He will truly be missed by all!
