For over 40 years, many people of South Mississippi have tuned in every morning to watch Jim Gibbon give the weather. I watched him all my life---until satellite tv only brought Jackson locals and regular "rabbit-ears" was long gone in the mid-90's. He has been a long time legend at the WDAM-TV7 studios. Today we remember Jim...
====================================================================== From WDAM-TV7:
WDAM and the Pine Belt lost a dear and trusted friend Wednesday night. Longtime weathercaster Jim Gibbon passed away at South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel after a massive stroke. He was 76.
Visitation will be held Sunday from 3 to 6 pm at Jones Funeral Home in Ellisville. A memorial service will be held at a later date.
After 43 years as a news anchor and weathercaster, Jim announced his retirement in February after a stellar career in the Pine Belt.
Born in Dallas and raised in Mississippi, Jim worked in radio for about 15 years before joining WDAM in 1964. Over the years he hosted programs, forecasted the weather and delivered the news.
"I found it fascinating because everything newsworthy in Jones County, in Forrest County and surrounding counties would wind up here at the station," he told Colleen Donovan in a March interview.
"We were ground zero, so it was fascinating meeting these people who would come in for interviews, and guest shots on programs. I got to meet some celebrities sometimes: Art Linkletter, who was one of the big names in radio and TV broadcasting."
Jim Gibbon was a big name here in the Pine Belt. Many people grew up watching Jim and invited him into their homes every day.
"This wonderful relationship with people," Jim told Colleen. "There is a love, almost, that you are a part of their lives."
Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time.
WDAM and the Pine Belt lost a dear and trusted friend Wednesday night. Longtime weathercaster Jim Gibbon passed away at South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel after a massive stroke. He was 76.
Visitation will be held Sunday from 3 to 6 pm at Jones Funeral Home in Ellisville. A memorial service will be held at a later date.
After 43 years as a news anchor and weathercaster, Jim announced his retirement in February after a stellar career in the Pine Belt.
Born in Dallas and raised in Mississippi, Jim worked in radio for about 15 years before joining WDAM in 1964. Over the years he hosted programs, forecasted the weather and delivered the news.
"I found it fascinating because everything newsworthy in Jones County, in Forrest County and surrounding counties would wind up here at the station," he told Colleen Donovan in a March interview.
"We were ground zero, so it was fascinating meeting these people who would come in for interviews, and guest shots on programs. I got to meet some celebrities sometimes: Art Linkletter, who was one of the big names in radio and TV broadcasting."
Jim Gibbon was a big name here in the Pine Belt. Many people grew up watching Jim and invited him into their homes every day.
"This wonderful relationship with people," Jim told Colleen. "There is a love, almost, that you are a part of their lives."
Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time.
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For more on Jim, go to www.wdam.com. Videos and stories are there for viewing.
Have a great weekend.
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