Known by many as “Doctor Jim,” the late Jim Musich never forgot his Ely roots.
His contributions to his hometown continued even after his passing, and included a better than $225,000 donation to the city of Ely to help renovate city parks.
The significant gift will now be formally recognized by the city of Ely, with council members taking action Tuesday, authorizing a plaque to be placed in his honor at Whiteside Park.
Musich, who worked as an anesthesiologist in Minneapolis, was a devoted music fan, traveling around the Twin Cities to see musical acts. He was known to have traveled far beyond Minnesota, even to Europe, to see a favorite performer.
Fittingly, the plaque that will be erected in the park will quote the legendary Bruce Springsteen, reading “And say, Son, Take a good look around - this is your hometown.”
The plaque will also read “in remembrance of Jim Musich’s contribution to the Ely parks.”
Formal recognition comes more than a decade after Musich’s passing in 2013, and the subsequent gift to the city of Ely.
According to minutes of the city’s parks and recreation commission, Musich’s initial request was not to have recognition, but family members have since notified the city they would like to have something placed in the park to note the contribution.
“The money was given anonymously at the time and the family did not want notoriety concerning it,” said Harold Langowski, the city’s clerk-treasurer and operations director.
Funds from Musich paid for work done in city parks and funded the outdoor pavilion and Semers Park, and much more.
“The work was done in 2015-2017,” said Langowski. “It included the band shell stabalization and restoration, picnic pavilion restoration, additional playground equipment in Semers and Whiteside, numerous trees replaced following the 2016 wind storm, picnic pavilion and ADA path at Semers, ADA dock at Semers, skate park at the Rec Center.”
Funding from the Ely Jaycees also was used for the Semers pavilion.
Ely council members voted unanimously to permit the plaque to be placed at Whiteside Park.
