Dispatch Statehouse reporter dies at 46
Dispatch Statehouse reporter Jim Siegel died Tuesday at age 46.
Well-liked and wellrespected by colleagues, competitors and those he covered, Siegel was hailed by topstate officials.
“Fran and I are so sorry to learn of the death of Jim Siegel,” Gov. Mike Dewine said. “Jim was one of the most respected members of the Statehouse news corps. Jim had a gift for explaining the complexities of state government and the legislative process to all his readers.
“I will miss his insight and his reporting. Fran and I extend our sincerest condolences to Jim’s family and the Siegel
entire Columbus Dispatch newsroom.”
Attorney General Dave Yost said, “Siegel was one of the last of a dying breed — a journalist who wanted to get the story, get it right and get it first, with a skeptical mind and an open heart. Billy Joel got it right: ‘Only the good die young.’”
Senate President Larry Obhof, who asked for thoughts and prayers for Siegel before a news conference Tuesday on the state budget, said, “Jim Siegel represented the very best of journalism. He took the time to establish relationships and gain a deep understanding of the facts, stories and people he wrote about. He was well-respected around the Capitol, and he earned that respect every day through his hard work and unparalleled integrity.
“Jim will be deeply missed by the members of the Ohio Senate and by the people of Ohio.”
House Speaker Larry Householder said, “He was a first-rate journalist in every sense: knowledgeable, inquisitive, unfailingly professional and always passionate about serving the readers of The Columbus Dispatch. He was their eyes and ears at the Statehouse, covering issues that directly impacted their lives. It was a calling that he took seriously, and one he did exceptionally well.
“On behalf of the Ohio House of Representatives, I extend our deepest condolences to Jim’s family.”
Dispatch Editor Alan D. Miller said, “Jim was a newsman’s newsman — a professional who treated everyone with kindness and respect, even when pressing lawmakers on difficult questions. And state officials treated him with respect because they knew that he was doing his job and that he would always be fair.”
Miller said that Siegel’s reporting went beneath the surface and beyond the noise of state government politics. Siegel used data and critical analysis to provide sophisticated, analytical reporting on proposals, policies and budgets that surfaced at the Statehouse.
“Our hearts go out to Jim’s family. While he was passionate about keeping lawmakers accountable and Dispatch readers informed, his family came first and he was devoted to his wife and sons,” Miller said.
Former Dispatch Editor Ben Marrison, who now works for Yost, said, “Jim Siegel was a remarkable journalist and person. He was universally respected for his even-handedness, integrity and the respect he showed to everyone regardless of their place in life.”
A native of eastern Ohio, Siegel was a graduate of West Liberty University in West Virginia, where he played football. Siegel was a fixture at Gahanna High School lacrosse matches, announcing the action from the booth. His son, Ben, who just graduated from Gahanna, was a member of the team.
Siegel also enthusiastically attended the Special Olympics events of his younger son, Vince.
He is survived by his wife, Stacy, their teenage sons, his parents, sisters and other relatives.
Funeral arrangements are pending.