COLUMBIA, S.C. — News 19’s Chief Meteorologist Jim Gandy has used four decades of experience in meteorology to help the University of South Carolina.
While it's no question weather and his wife Ann are the top loves in his life, the Gamecocks are not too far behind. And the University of South Carolina says Jim has left quite the legacy on the school.
It's no secret Jim Gandy is a living legend. People all across the Midlands, the state, the country and the world have looked to his expertise when it's mattered most.
Jamie Speronis, the former associate athletic director for football operations at South Carolina, relied on Jim when it came to how weather would impact the Gamecocks and the safety of the players.
"Of course he's got the reputation of being South Carolina's Weather Man and he's the best there is,” said Speronis. “More times than none, he was right on the money."
Jim’s word affected how teams would figure out logistics for practices and games.
"I can't tell you how many times he made a significant impact. He's just a very caring person and helpful. He did it out of the kindness of his heart," explained Speronis.
Gamecock women's soccer coach Shelley Smith has always been a fan of Jim's.
"I moved here almost twenty years ago and he's always been there night after night," said Smith.
She also knows Jim has been one of the Gamecock's biggest supporters.
"He's there cheering our team on and always in support. He'll let me know if I see him if he's coming to the game or watched what we've done," explained Smith.
While there's plenty of other popular sports teams in Columbia, Smith loves how Jim gives the team shout outs on-air from time to time.
"Especially in a women's sport, for us to have someone out there advocating, being in the stands, and publicly speaking about our program, means a lot to us and we really appreciate it," said Smith.
Jim may be hanging up his barometer, but Smith hopes she'll see him in the stands real soon.
"Hopefully he'll still be at our games and cheering us on,” said Smith. “Maybe he'll have more time to say hello now that he has some time out of work. I think he's done a tremendous job.”