Remembering Jim Farley
• We’ve lost another legend… Jim Farley, former longtime Vice President of News & Programming at Hubbard’s WTOP/Washington, who oversaw the transformation of a poorly-rated AM news, talk and sports station into the consistent top-billing radio station in the country, died of a heart attack on Monday at the age of 75.
The sad news of Farley’s passing was shared with the WTOP staff in a memo from SVP/GM Joel Oxley, which reads, in part, “It is with profound sadness that I let you know that Jim has passed away. I just talked to his son, Patrick, and he let me know that Jim passed away of a heart attack as he was having an operation for an aneurysm.” As WTOP’s own coverage noted: “In a newsroom accustomed to breaking news, the email subject line caused a collective gasp: ‘Jim Farley has passed away.'”
Oxley’s memo continues: “Of course, Jim’s work here at WTOP is legendary. As PD of WTOP from 1996 until he retired in 2013 Jim took us to new heights. Most importantly, Jim was an absolutely fantastic person. Time and time and time again he would make me laugh when I went into his office. He was truly one of a kind. I miss him already.”
Oxley added, “Jim was living the good life with his wife, Jo, in Florida. Condo President, working with charities and still posting about radio on a regular basis. I’ve passed our condolences along to Jo and his family.”
In closing, Oxley said, “In true Jim style, he said to his family if they do anything just do an old fashioned Irish Wake. As George Wallace just suggested, and I agree for those of you who drink, raise a glass of Jameson’s in Jim’s honor. He’ll be smiling at you from above!”
Farley is survived by his wife, Johanna, and sons Patrick and J.T. WTOP has more extensive coverage of Farley’s life and career posted here.
