John Stephen “Steve” Harms passed away on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 after a battle with kidney cancer.

A proud native of Detroit, Michigan, Steve graduated from Michigan State University with a bachelor’s degree in radio and television and a master’s degree in Journalism. His academic path was interrupted in 1970 when he served his country as an infantry officer in Vietnam.

Steve’s love of sports began early - with a growing passion for hockey and his beloved Detroit Tigers. As a young boy growing up in Detroit, his neighbor, Hall of Famer Al Kaline, brought him in to the Tigers locker room and onto the field where Steve served as a bat boy. Those early experiences influenced what would become a long and successful career in sports broadcasting.

Shortly after graduation from Michigan State, Steve joined the IHL Columbus Owls. He was hired to head up Marketing/Advertising and Public Relations, but was quickly added as the team’s play-by-play announcer. This was the beginning of a hockey presence that spanned decades and markets.

His decorated television career started in Colorado Springs, Colorado where he became sports director and sports anchor at KOAA-TV (NBC). His talent was quickly recognized, and just two years later he was recruited to KXAS-TV (NBC) in Dallas, TX. as a reporter and weekend sports anchor. There, Steve covered The Dallas Cowboys, Dallas Mavericks, and Texas Rangers along with the major collegiate programs at SMU and TCU. His work there earned him two Emmy Awards.

Steve’s talent and trusted presence as a skilled broadcaster brought him back home to Detroit, where he was recruited again to serve as the weekday sports anchor at WXYZ-TV (ABC) - then the highest rated and most respected local news stations in the country. During this time, he covered all 4 of Detroit’s major league sports’ teams and won two Emmys during his tenure with WXYZ.

His journey then led him back out west to Denver, Colorado, where he took on the role of sports director and weekday anchor KMGH-TV. In Denver, Steve quickly became a popular and trusted presence for all things related to Denver Sports: covering the Broncos, Nuggets, CU Buffs and The Denver Gold of the USFL, for which he also enjoyed his role as color commentator alongside play-by-play man and dear friend, Mike Nolan.

Steve’s lifelong love and knowledge of hockey was on full display during his time in Denver. He quickly became the television play-by-play announcer for the University of Denver Hockey Team and the radio and TV voice of the IHL Turner Cup Champion Denver Grizzlies. Throughout the mid 90’s he was frequently a member of the television broadcast team for the NCAA Hockey Tournament and will be remembered for his call of the legendary goal “The Michigan” from the 1996 hockey regionals.

Forced to step away from television due to a series of throat surgeries and ongoing voice challenges, Steve spent time working to promote WCW wrestling with Awesome Promotions before making his broadcast comeback with KYBG radio as a talk show host. His sports talk program with Sandy Clough quickly became a fan favorite, and once again, Steve’s voice became a daily part of life for Denver sports fans.

When Century Broadcasting sold KYBG, Steve was quickly recruited by Donna and Dave Elmore-owners of the Denver Grizzlies who had since relocated the team to Salt Lake City. Steve was once again in the broadcast booth for the newly formed Utah Grizzlies and also became a key figure in marketing and advertising at the new E Center to prepare for the 2002 Winter Olympics and beyond. It was a perfect match.

Throughout his career, Steve “Harmsey” was well known for always offering a hand and mentoring anyone looking to get a start in the business. He enjoyed teaching and sharing with anyone who was interested in learning the craft. He was extremely popular among his peers, players, coaches and colleagues in the industry, making lifelong friends across his numerous stints.

He will always be remembered for his talent, quick wit, and one-of-a-kind sense of humor.

He is survived by the love of his life, his beautiful daughter, Colby Lynn, who currently works in collegiate athletics for Boise State University. And, by his former wife, and friend, Jan Harms.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Veterans Association.

Send to someone

Share this obituary with others

https://everloved.com/life-of/john-harms/obituary/

Copy