THE PASSING OF JIM VANCE LEAVES A VOID IN A TIME WHEN WE NEED A VOICE THE MOST.
I first met Jim Vance on a college field trip to the WRC studios in the early 1990’s. Prior to that he had given the commencement speech at my high school graduation (Go RMHS Rockets!). It didnt take very long to figure out that 1. He was an exceptional human being and 2. I wanted to work in the news business.
Fast forward 25 years, I now find myself remembering all those incredible words of wisdom he gave all of us over the years. Not just wisdom but good ole’ fashioned common sense (something the world is lacking these days). On a few occasions I had the pleasure of meeting him. Passing the time with a drink (or cigarette) at a function, learning about our mutal friends and talking about the industry that seemingly changed on his (our) watch.
A few years back the DC Chamber of Commerce asked me to produce a Lifetime Legacy Award Video for Jim Vance. We interviewed all the notable news folks in the DC area with a few business leaders as well. The end result was a sweeping, emotional tribute to one of the greats. A true giant in the broadcast business. He will be missed and never duplicated.
