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Bob James worked
more than 40 years in broadcasting, the majority as a radio
newscaster. James was a long-standing radio newsman, recognized for
his radio reporting in Joplin. He retired from KQYX/KSYN in 1993.
James grew up in
Michigan, and had an early introduction to radio. During a 1993
interview on the Newmakers program, he recalled how his fifth
grade teacher asked him to narrate a children s radio show. He also
recalled family trips to Chicago, where he was often in the audience
of live radio programs, even participating in a live commercial.
James said
that his first real job came in 1953. He worked on Armed Forces
Radio, on commercials in New York, and in
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television
in his home state of Michigan. In the 1960 s, he took a job as
Sports Director in Dodge City, Kansas. He
moved to the 4-state area in 1965, when he was hired as News
Director at KDMO radio in Carthage. James began work at KQYX/KSYN
radio in 1967. After one year, he made a move to Tulsa radio for
what he called the big time. However, he chose to return to
Joplin in 1971. James served as News Director at KQYX/KSYN until
October 1993. Even after he retired from those duties, James
continued to host a radio call-in program.
After he
retired, James recalled two memorable news stories from his time in
Joplin, the Connor Hotel collapse and the Christine Craft trial.
James spent 22 years covering Joplin City Council meetings, and said
that it was interesting to see government in action. Reflecting
upon changes in the industry during the 1993 interview, James said
it was sad that radio stations across the country were dropping
local news. On a brighter note, he pointed out a drastic change in
increased opportunities for women in broadcasting.
James was also
active in the Joplin community. He is noted for his development and
involvement with the Jim Nail Foundation, established to honor local
police, fire, and rescue personnel.
When asked
during the Newsmakers interview about what tips he had for
success, James said that education and obtaining a degree was
important. He advised potential newscasters by saying don t be too
anxious to be a star. James added he believed that people should
go into broadcasting with dedication, making sure it s what you
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