Obituaries
Ardmore Native Jim Vance, Legendary DC Newsman, Dies
The longtime reporter spent his formative years in the Philadelphia area.
ARDMORE, PA – Jim Vance, the legendary NBC Washington anchor and Ardmore native, has died, the channel announced Saturday. Vance was 75.
Vance began his reporting career with The Philadelphia Independent newspaper and radio station WHAT-AM, all while teaching in the Philadelphia public school system. In 1968, he accepted a position as a reporter for WKBS-TV in Philadelphia.
Vance received a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education from Cheyney University in Cheyney, Pa.
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"We are heartbroken to announce that Jim Vance died this morning," Jackie Bradford, president and general manager of NBC4, said in a statement. "For more than 45 years, Jim Vance was not only the soul of NBC4 but of the entire Washington area. His smooth voice, brilliant mindand unforgettable laugh leaves each of us with a tremendous void.
"Vance always celebrated the good and acknowledged the parts of life that didn’t go so well. That made him a great man.
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"To everyone in the Washington area who is heartbroken today, please know we grieve right along with you. Jim loved his job, his family and Washington with all his heart, and we will all cherish the legacy he has
left us forever."
In May, Vance told viewers that he had been undergoing treatment for cancer.
Well respected journalists and public figures paid tribute to the legendary anchorman.
One of the best things about working at the NBC Wash Bureau was getting to know a legend like Jim Vance. RIP my friend. A whole city mourns
— Chuck Todd (@chucktodd) July 22, 2017
My friend. My mentor. I will miss you. Sad day. News4 Anchor Jim Vance Dies at 75. #JimVance #RIPJimVancehttps://t.co/ZH9hGPAnHp pic.twitter.com/CZNXunb7WH
— Shomari Stone (@shomaristone) July 22, 2017
So sad to hear of the passing of Jim Vance - a legend in Washington DC local news. Sending love to all my friends at @nbcwashington
— Savannah Guthrie (@SavannahGuthrie) July 22, 2017
Our thoughts & prayers are w/ his family. Jim Vance was a steady voice who shared the news - good or bad - with grace. This is a loss for DC https://t.co/tZXaoIMQLA
— MurielBowser (@MurielBowser) July 22, 2017
Sad to learn of Jim Vance's passing. A Washington icon and trusted voice in the media. He knew how vital a free press is to democracy.
— Gerry Connolly (@GerryConnolly) July 22, 2017
Like millions of other people, I grew up watching Jim. What an anchor, what a loss. https://t.co/cC6FdLAll9
— Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) July 22, 2017
RIP to a genuine legend and fixture of my childhood https://t.co/ppFHy68whS
— Sam Biddle (@samfbiddle) July 22, 2017
Vance had been a part of the News4 team since 1969. He started as a general assignment reporter then moved to the anchor desk in 1972.
Vance began his reporting career with The Philadelphia Independent newspaper and radio station WHAT-AM, all while teaching in the Philadelphia public school system. In 1968, he accepted a position as a reporter for WKBS-TV in Philadelphia.
In 2007, the National Association of Black Journalists inducted Vanceinto its Hall of Fame. His other honors include 17 Emmy Awards, induction into the Journalists Hall of Fame and membership in the SilverCircle of the Washington Chapter of the National Association of Television Arts and Sciences. He also holds the Ted Yates Award for outstanding community service and has been honored as a “Washingtonian of the Year.”
Story by Feroze Dhanoa
Information on Vance's bio and accolades was taken from a previous Patch article.
Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images
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