Radio Hall-of-Famer Jim Bohannon has died in hospice care in South Carolina; he was 78. According to Talkers, he battled esophageal cancer.
This year, Bohannon had taken several leaves from his nationally syndicated show. Last month, he announced his retirement. Bohannon began his radio career in 1960 at KLWT-AM in his hometown of Lebanon, Missouri. Bohannon also worked in Washington D.C. at WTOP and WWRC.
“It is at times like these that I find myself thinking crying means love,” Bohannon’s former producer Rita Rich told Barrett News Media. “Jim was my “radio-husband” or “work-husband” for about 7 years, from the time he took over for Larry King until 2000.”
Bohannon was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame in 2003 and into the Missouri Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame in 2020.
“I am grateful that he was happy that I was able to rejoin team Bohannon after a 20+ year hiatus to help with another transition in the show,” Rich said.
During more than five decades on the air, Bohannon had earned a reputation as one of the most versatile broadcasters in the business. In 1993, after serving as Larry King’s primary backup, he took over his coveted nighttime talk slot. Bohannon joined Westwood One in 1983.
“Jim and I were able to express our mutual love and respect for each other before he left the airways. I’m thankful for that. I will miss his memories and photographic ability for him to recall passages of news correspondence and history. I will miss his laughter-getting the Big Guy to let loose a roaring laugh or even a giggle was a highlight of many a day and night of work for me,” Rich said.
He was a lifetime member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Vietnam Veterans of America. Jim has been honored to be the recipient of numerous awards in recognition of his talent and contributions to the radio industry.
Bohannon is survived by his wife, Annabelle, of Westminster, SC, and daughter, Elizabeth Smith of Janesville, WI. Per Jim’s wishes, no formal services will be held at this time.
