Jim Diego Obituary, Death – Jim Diego, a member of Front Runner, passed away unexpectedly, which has devastated the whole Front Runner team. We are thinking about you and praying for you. Jim was well regarded and respected by everyone, not just among Front Runners but also in the larger running community. Jim was a nine-year member of Front Runners New York, and his commitment to the club was evident in every aspect of it during that period.
He participated in numerous races, including 138 marathons throughout many different countries, all the while proudly representing the club. Jim took great delight in displaying the colors of his hometown of Queens, his state of Kansas, and his alma mater, the University of Michigan, in addition to wearing apparel with the FRNY emblem. Jim earned his education at each of these three locations (Go Blue, for you, Jim).
Jim’s sporting exploits provided as a source of motivation. He completed at least one full and two half marathons in each of the 50 states during the course of his lifetime, and in 2019 he was selected the FRNY Ultra-Runner of the Year. Additionally, he received the 2019 FRNY Ultra-Runner of the Year award. Jim traveled across the nation to compete in cross-country running competitions. On race day in each of the 50 states, he performed the National Anthem.
Because of his singing and running prowess in New York, Jim rose to prominence in the city’s music and running scenes. As a result, he was frequently asked to begin the New York City marathons with his performance of the national anthem, the most recent of which being the 2022 New York City Marathon. Because of all the happiness Jim brought into our lives and the warmth he exuded whenever he raced, competed, performed, or volunteered, everyone in our club will remember him fondly. For all of these things, Jim will be remembered.
We kindly ask that you remember his family and the Front Runners in your prayers during this trying time. We are all grieving his loss together, and our hearts are heavy.
