Remembering Caleb James

• Altoona, PA morning radio legend Caleb James passed away Monday night, June 21 due to heart failure. He was only 58 years old. The sad news was communicated to us late Wednesday night by Chris Lash of Texas-based Whiplash Radio, who stated, simply, “He was my best friend of 35 years.”

James, whose real name was Harv Rairie, was an Altoona morning market leader for 25 years, most recently at Lightner Communications’ AC WBRX (Mix 94.7) until last year, when he has to step aside due to health issues.

Prior to his stint with Mix, James did mornings at Forever Media Country WFGY (Froggy 98), and he started in the market at the former 104.9 WHPA. Before arriving in Altoona, James did nights at the late, great WHTX (HitRadio 96)/Pittsburgh in the late ’80s to early ’90s.

Rairie leaves behind his wife Wendy, his children and grandson.