James “Yerp” Steve Galusky, 84, of Masontown, W.Va., passed away Sunday, April 26, 2020, at home due to complications stemming from a short battle with esophageal cancer.
James was born in Bretz, on May 22, 1935, a son of the late Louis Galusky and the late Clara (Zielinski) Galusky.
He was Catholic by faith and a devout member of St. Zita’s Catholic Church in Masontown, W.Va.
In his long and extremely productive life, Jim worked as a coal miner, factory worker and welder. He took the most pride however, with his work within the West Virginia University Mountaineer Athletic Department. For over 40 years, he was a videographer for the Mountaineer Football and Basketball teams, filming practices and games. Jim started with the football team in 1978 and worked continuously through spring drills of 2020. He filmed Mountaineer Basketball from 1978 until 2007. “Jimbo” or “Yerp” as many called him, was behind the lens of a camera capturing 42 years of WVU’s greatest sports moments. His work with the Mountaineers allowed him to travel all over the United States, build lasting friendships and contribute in his own way to help WVU win countless football and basketball games. Jim Galusky will forever be a Mountaineer.
Jim was an avid outdoorsman, known for his fishing ability on the trout streams of West Virginia and Western Maryland. He caught his last trout earlier this spring. He was an expert gardener, known widely for his garlic and canned hot peppers. For 60 years, Yerp’s garden fed not only his family, but many friends as well. A lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan, Jim’s undeniable passion for baseball led him to coach youth baseball from the late 1960s until 1995. Jim was so proud to watch his grandson Jimmy play shortstop for the Mountaineers and he was very excited to watch his grandson Ty start his high school baseball career at Morgantown High School. He spent a large part of his life at the ballpark playing, coaching and watching. Jim was a great player and then became a great teacher of the game.
Jim is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, JoAnn (Cashman) Galusky. Jim and JoAnn have three sons, Steve, Ernie and Jamie, daughters-in-law, Shawn, Jessica, and Cheryl and six grandchildren that were the pride of his life, Jimmy, Jacob (Gig), Ty, Katy, Jesse and Logan. Of his many nicknames, he loved being called “Pap” the most. He is also survived by a brother, John.
Jim Galusky will always be remembered for his quick-witted sense of humor, his old school “tell it like it is” honesty, high integrity, impeccable character, and unquestioned loyalty to his family and friends. Known as a hard worker with legendary work ethic, he lived every day for his family.
To honor his wishes, cremation services have been entrusted to the Field Funeral Home in Masontown, W.Va.
A memorial to celebrate the incredible life of Jim Galusky will be scheduled at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials should be sent to West Virginia University Athletics. P.O. Box 877 Morgantown, WV 26507 or charity of choice.
Condolences:
fieldfuneralhome.com
