In Memory: Jim Ksenich

Team Tryon lost one of its own on August 3, 2024, when Security and Guest Services member Jim Ksenich unexpectedly passed away. A longtime friendly face on the security team, Jim never met a stranger, and loved helping people.

An avid outdoorsman and thrill seeker, his previous hobbies included dirt track race car driving (he built his own race car),  motorcycling, camping and hiking (including hiking the Appalachian trail), triathlons and snow skiing. When Jim “retired” to the foothills of WNC and began working at Tryon International, he also took up tennis, and said that working at Tryon International was an “adventure” of its own.

Mike Smith, former Head of Security at Tryon International, said, “Jim will be sorely missed by all of us here at Tryon International. If I could have hired ten more guys like Jim, I would have done it in a heartbeat. He was so wonderful with people and guest services, and truly enjoyed it.”

Doug Grondahl, Tryon International, COO, said, “I will miss having Ski Adventure conversations with Jim. He and I could talk about skiing around the world all day. Jim was a great person and full of life, and I can only hope to live a life as full as his. I will cherish the time we had with him.”

Per Jim’s wishes, a “Celebration of Life” will be held Saturday, August 24, from 2-5pm. This drop-in event will take place at the Peach Tree Racquet Club on 515 Long Branch Road, Forest City, NC. All Tryon International staff members, guests and friends of Jim are invited to attend.