Ira Gardner Kimball, age 76, a long-time Nevada educator and television producer, passed away on July 4, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. He was born on October 30, 1947 in Fillmore, Utah to James Gardner Kimball and Betty Nixon Kimball. Ira received his Bachelors degree from the Southern Utah University-Cedar City, and received his Master of Art’s Degree from University of Las Vegas Nevada (UNLV).
His first teaching position was at Will Beckley Elementary School in Las Vegas, Nevada where he taught science and innovatively engaged his students in video production. Ira then moved on to teach at Jo Mackey Sixth Grade Center as a science teacher.
He married Cynthia Valencia on July 14, 1977 in Las Vegas, Nevada. They had many wonderful years together raising their family and working professionally side by side.
In 1976, Ira accepted a position with PBS Channel 10 as a Resource Advisor handling daytime programming from 1976-1992. He was the on-air talent for a weekly talk show and produced a monthly magazine for Channel 10. He was also one of the on-air talents for the bi-annual telethons for Channel 10/PBS.
He went back into the classroom to teach English at Greenspun Junior High School from 1992 to 1999. Ira also taught simultaneously at the Community College of Southern Nevada (CSN) and was an adjunct professor in Communication at UNLV from 1979 to 1999. He retired in June of 1999.
Ira also served as a political consultant for school board candidates and county commissioners. He received the distinguished Communication Award from Barbara Greenspun in 1998 and was on the press corps for President George Bush Sr in Las Vegas. He also was in the Who’s Who of teachers.
Ira is survived by his ex-wife and mother of their four children: Cynthia Valencia Kimball; son: Ira Gardner (Monica) Kimball II (and their sons: Kailob, James and daughter: Serinaty); son: Conrad Leopoldo (Shanthi) Kimball (and their sons: Harly, Casen and daughters: Lennon, Indie); son: Zachary Alexander Kimball; and daughter: Analisa Mariana Valencia Kimball. Ira was also the step-father of Daniela Glemme (deceased August 27, 2015) - she has two sons: Eskil Alexander Glemme and Benjamin Leopoldo Glemme who live in Sweden. Ira is also survived by his three sisters: Nancy Peterson, Kathryn White, and Sarah Thurgood.
A Graveside Service were held on Saturday, July 20, at 11:00 am, at the Kanosh Cemetery. Those unable to attend are invited to view the recording of the service .