Presentation of the SBARC Lifetime Achievement Award to Jug WA6MBZ (right) by Brian K6BPM (left) at the October 2015 General Club Meeting.
Our old friend Jug – WA6MBZ passed away on Friday January 7, 2017 after a long illness. Jug was a long time member of SBARC and had his hands in project after project over the years. Jug also served on the SBARC Board of Directors and on various committees. He was instrumental in getting the club station activated several years ago, and was frequently the first in line to try new modes and radio technologies.
For many years Jug was known as the “Trivia Master” on the morning Cuckoo Net. He dutifully read a trivia question every morning. He had a special computer where he stored trivia questions – prepared years in advance – on every topic from radios to thimbles and drink coasters. Jug was also an officer in the 220 MHz Spectrum Management Association (220SMA), the 220 MHz frequency coordination group for Southern California.
Anyone that ever visited his house knew of Jug’s commitment to amateur radio. Radios and computers were packed into every available square inch of space he could find. His roof bristled with every form of antenna. He also had a few vehicles completely outfitted with everything from HF radios to GHz equipment along with solar panels to keep the batteries charged. He was the consummate “ham” and could build anything – and did! Amateur radio has lost one of the last of the “real hams”. You can read this post here if you need solar panel installation services.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Jug on Thursday, January 12 at 10:00 am at Our Lady of Sorrows Church.
Please leave your stories and remembrances in the comments.
Post expires at 7:15am on Thursday February 9th, 2017 but will still be available in the archives.
Jug was very generous with his time and equipment. He programmed many 2- and 440-meter radio for club members, mine being one of them in my first few months of operation as a ham. I can attest to his house being stuffed full of computers and radios. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. He was a trooper through it all and did not readily give in to his illness. Dorothy K6DSO.
Jug, was the first VE I ever met while taking my first Tech license exam. The big tall bald guy who seemed kind of gruff at first would introduce himself I’m Jug, like a jug of Whiskey! Who could forget that. You knew this guy was a sweetheart that would Elmer everyone and always there to help with any antenna or program your radio or computer. His house was the ultimate ham shack indeed. A big heart that was open to all. I’m sorry to hear of your passing.
Walt KR6AA
Godspeed, Jug. Your generosity to the amateur radio community was unmatched. We will be reminded of your contribution whenever we operate K6TZ or welcome a new licensee to our community.
I am so sorry you are gone, Jug.
You are one of the best people I have ever known.
You were an inspiration to me both as a person and as an outstanding Ham. Your service to both the civil community at large and to SBARC and Amateur Radio will be remembered by me and many others for the rest of our days. I will never forget you, Jug.
73 and Good Night. KF6HHX
It grieves me to write this. Mike “Jug” Jogoleff, WA6MBZ, has gone to his Maker. Jug was a friend of mine and most likely a friend of just about everyone who knew him. Most of us here in the Santa Barbara Amateur Radio Club have no memories of him before he became a member of our Club back in 1969, unless they were members of his church, Our Lady of Sorrows, at 21 E. Sola St. It seems like he had always been here. Some folks just make a great impression on you. Jug was one of those.
In looking through my past issues of Key-Klix I find that my very first issue was in September of 1982. That was 35 years ago when I joined the Club. Jug was in that issue, by golly. That is how long I had known Jug. It looked like the picture might have been taken at an SBARC Hamfest.
Since those early days Jug had gotten himself involved in many of the fun things that we do, as well as some of the more-important things that we do. His service as a Volunteer Examiner is legendary. Jug could be seen behind the grading table at a VE Session so often it seems like the position was made for him. One particular session where I remember his being there was when I went for my Amateur Extra class license in May of 1997. The VE Team Leader was Bill Hoover, KB5AH, SK, who was also the ARES Emergency Coordinator as well as a Past President of SBARC. Also at that grading table was Stephen Reynolds, AA6OT, brother of Marina King, KA6JWL. In those years one had to pass the 20 WPM code exam. I still remember that stinker! I also remember looking up from my paper that I was supposed to be writing letters and numbers on and seeing the VEs watching me. Jug must have known I needed encouragement as his eyes were watching me and his head was sort of nodding “you can do this” to me. What a guy! His nodding must have helped.
Jug had a habit of getting some of the latest toys (radio gear) in his shack. He would use it for a while and then make up his mind if he really liked it or not. If he liked it, he would find a home for it in his shelf systems that he put together in there. What a sight that was. If he didn’t like it, he would make it available ‘el cheapo’ to his friends. I am happy to say that I must have been a friend of Jug’s as some of his things can be found around here. There is one particular Yaesu mobile radio that he didn’t care for and I have since discovered why that was. Placed in a dark environment, like under your dashboard, one is most likely to push something wrong and then, going down the freeway, you don’t dare try to figure how to get things back again!
Have you ever driven down Panchita Place? That was Jug’s street. It’s only a block long but cars were parked up and down it like there was always a party going on somewhere nearby. Everyone on the street knew Jug. He had lived in that house, what he said, was most of his life as that was his mother’s house before, and he parked his vehicle(s) on the street. Don’t ask me how many he had.
Packet Radio was something he got his teeth into and loved the technical end of it. Computers? How many did he have running in his shack at one time? It’s anyone’s guess. You would have to see it. Jug also did the Club a great service by taking charge of its 220-MHz repeater systems. He did the programming of the repeater controllers and maintained them. He also helped out with the 2-meter repeaters when needed. Before I forget it, Jug probably had more HTs than anyone I ever met and could often be seen walking down State Street with at least 3 of them either in his pockets or clipped onto his belt. He never missed a call.
Jug represented us all at the 220 Spectrum Management Association and acted as its secretary for many years until his health prevented serving further. Jug was known all over the Amateur Radio community. He was knowledgeable, likeable, talented, helpful, and pitched in whenever he could. I do not think one could really do justice to the man by putting a few words down on paper about him. As his health was taking a toll on him, he still came around whenever possible because he felt it was the right thing to do. His friends were always delighted to see him again and asked how he was doing. He knew the time was approaching for him to say goodbye to the world. He had given away so many of his toys to his friends and to SBARC. What more could he give?
If you would like to pay your last goodbyes to our good friend, Michael Peter “Jug” Jogoleff, WA6MBZ, you will have your chance to do so this Thursday morning at 10:00 AM at Our Lady of Sorrows church, at 21 E. Sola St. Please join me and let’s fill every seat in Jug’s church.
73, my good friend, WA6MBZ, SK
dah-dah-di-di-dit, di-di-di-dah-dah
-Darryl Widman, KF6DI
I didn’t know Jug as well as others, but he was one of the first people in the club with whom I had face to face interaction. I volunteered to help set up booths behind the Elks Lodge for one of the annual Ham days years back. Jug was in charge. After that of course on the air during the morning net, trivia, and help with programming a new model Yaesu handheld that we both happened to get at the same time. Some people, just when you talk to them, can leave you feeling a bit put off, others can leave you rather cold, but still some others can make you feel warm, or welcome to be in their presence. Jug was the last kind and I’m sad to hear of his passing.
Michael Barber, W6MRB
I am so saddened to learn of Jug’s passing. I have been away from my radios for awhile, but I look forward to spending more time with the hobby we love. Like many hams, I am basically an introvert, which means I tend to be quiet when I am in groups of people I don’t know very well. Jug was one person who was always open and friendly and eager to help with any question or problem. His natural warmth and enthusiasm always made me feel welcome. It was a joy and an honor to have known him. I will miss him very much.
73, Jug
Jerel