Condolences: Jim Bohannon
• UPDATED: Talk radio icon Jim Bohannon,who last month stepped down from his Westwood One-syndicated show after 40 years with the company, died Saturday, Nov. 12 at the age of 78 after a long battle with esophageal cancer.
“Jim Bohannon was a thoughtful and gracious gentleman, undoubtedly one of America’s top radio personalities,” said Suzanne Grimes, EVP of Marketing, Cumulus Media and President, Westwood One. “It was a privilege and honor to work with Jim and carry The Jim Bohannon Show. Acknowledged as one of ‘The 100 Most Important Radio Talk Show Hosts in America,’ Jim achieved stature and influence held by few. He is truly missed.”
Bohannon hosted The Jim Bohannon Show for 30 years each weeknight from 10pm–1am ET on more than 300 radio stations. He also spent over 31 years as host of the early morning weekday news magazine America in the Morning and previously hosted the weekend news magazine America This Week.
A 50-plus-year broadcasting veteran, Bohannon began his career in 1960 at his hometown station, KLWT-AM/Lebanon, MO. After attending Southwest Missouri State University in Springfield and serving in the U.S. Army, Bohannon moved to Washington, DC where he worked at Easy Listening WGAY-FM and News-Talkers WTOP-AM and WWRC-AM. In 1980 he moved to Chicago as a morning anchor at WCFL and as a freelance reporter for CNN. Bohannon hosted his own Saturday night call-in show and served as the principal back-up for Larry King on The Larry King Show. In February 1993, Bohannon took over the prestigious night-time talk show slot formerly held by King. Bohannon joined Westwood One in 1983 and has anchored newscasts, political conventions, and election night coverage in addition to his weekday programs.
NAB President & CEO Curtis LeGeyt said, “Our industry has lost a legend in the passing of Jim Bohannon, who embodied the spirt of broadcasting. His charismatic nature, distinct style and engaging programs have left an enduring mark on radio and the generations of audiences whose lives he touched. I am grateful for the opportunity I had to be a guest on his show and was honored to induct him into NAB’s Broadcasting Hall of Fame earlier this year. We offer our deepest condolences to Jim’s family, friends and fans.”
Tim McCarthy, President of the Broadcasters Foundation, remarked, “The Broadcasters Foundation of America honors Jim Bohannon for his amazing career in radio. A strong supporter of our charitable mission, Jim will be missed by his colleagues and his many radio listeners across the country. Our thoughts and sympathies go out to his family.”
In addition to his many career accolades, Bohannon is also a member of the Radio Hall of Fame, and the Missouri Broadcasters Hall of Fame. Bohannon is survived by his wife, Annabelle of Westminster, SC, and daughter, Elizabeth Smith, of Janesville, WI. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim’s memory are suggested to any organization of your choice that serves to support the needs of veterans.
