About
Jim London
July 8, 1946 – February 28, 2012
This blog is created as a celebration of Jim London’s life. This is something Jim would have liked. He wouldn’t want us to cry at his passing, though we do. He wouldn’t want us to feel the world is a lesser place because he’s gone, but it is.
Jim WOULD want us to share our stories and memories and smile. He WOULD want us to remember him as someone who brought light and laughter to our lives. And we surely will.
So please share your thoughts, your stories, your photos- whatever you have. And please spread the word about this blog. This is a healing thing for all of us who loved him and are left behind.
Jim London was a good man. This blog is our way of saying “Thank you, Jim. We’re all better for having known you.”
-Mary Ball
Celebrating Jim London 
I still have very fond memories of my parents and I listening to and enjoying Jim London’s classic country show, America’s Music, every Saturday night (and Saturday morning, after they changed time slots). It was one of the very few times when all of us could enjoy the same music on the same station together. I especially always loved seeing my step dad excitedly enjoying the music and him singing along to many of the songs, since he always loved older country. It was also one of the only times my mom still liked listening to country. All of us were not fans of the direction country music had taken by the mid 2000s, so London’s show was a breath of fresh air. It was like we were all back in the good old days if only for a little while on those Saturdays! We always really enjoyed hearing London’s enthusiasm and knowledge of the music, as well. My parents would also tell me about hearing him during his earlier days at WMZQ.
For me, America’s Music kind of reminded me of how WMZQ used to sound in the early 90s when they still played a lot of older songs from the 70s and 80s, along with the latest singles and artists at the time. I still have a good sized collection of cassette tapes that I recorded from WMZQ from 1990-early 1993 when I was little, and listening to those tapes always brings back great memories. I’m autistic, and country music has been one of my biggest passions since I can remember. I believe WMZQ had a good hand in helping that! Anyway, it’s from listening to some of those tapes from around early 1991 that’s had me wondering what’s become of some of those older DJs and staff members, and the memories of America’s Music and Jim London also came to mind.
I remember being extremely disappointed the day I found out that America’s Music was not going to continue and sad when I learned that Jim London was let go from MZQ. Sadly, radio is not what it used to be. I really miss the older days of radio and hearing DJs like Jim London who were truly passionate about the music they played. May he rest in peace! Thanks for the music and memories, Jim. Your radio show was truly one of the best I ever heard.
I can’t believe what I read, that Jim is gone. I google him and was shocked to find Jim died in 2012. I know I am so late finding out but I just moved back to Maryland. I am so sad and my heart is heavy. I pray for him and his family.
I spoke with Jim many times while he was working, I was young and lonely and he was always willing to listen and give me words of encouragement. I met him once in Riverdale Maryland at a dance fundraiser and I couldn’t resist asking him dance with me and he was very kind about it and said he would love to dance with me but then he would have to dance with everyone and promised me another time and another place, unfortunately we never ran into each other again. But I will always remember that evening I got to meet the legend. He was a sweet, gracious and sincere man who I instinctively trusted. I miss him on WMZQ, that station will never be the same for me. RIP Jim 🙏 Hopefully I’ll catch up with you someday in paradise and I’ll get my dance! ❤️
My wife and her friend were talking about Rush Limbaugh death and that he was a DJ in Pittsburgh. I said I had a HS classmate, Jim London, who worked in DC. I always listened to his show and one day he mentioned that he graduated HS from Washington, PA 64′. I called him at the station and told him I also graduated in 64′ from Wash HI. He asked me if I remembered Jim Martin and I said I did. He then told me he was Jim Martin. I remember our senior year, Jim was to play JFK in the senior play. He had JFK’s accent down pat. Sadly it was canceled after the JFK’s death. When we googled Jim London, we were sad to read that he had passed in 2012. Jim didn’t attend many of our class reunions and I don’t think anybody knew of his passing. I have updated our facebook page with the sad news. RIP Mr. President and great DJ.
Hi, James. I just ran across your post. Jim, or Jacy as we called him, was my cousin. His given name was James Cyrus Martin, Jr. J.C., hence Jacy. The senior play was The Mouse That Roared. We heard Jacy do his JFK impersonation a few weeks before the play was to be presented. He had the voice, the New England accent and the mannerisms down. We were so sad that his talent could not be shown. I believe it was the day of the play, or the day before that the President was assassinated. A huge blow to the country. If I recall, the play did go on, but Jacy played it straight, without the Kennedy mannerism. Must have been hard after rehearsing it all those weeks. Anyway, he had us in stitches doing it at home. We were all rolling. Jace was very gifted, yet troubled, too. I’m glad he found his Savior before his untimely passing. He had a sweet heart.
I always think of Jim at this time of year. When I lived in the DC area, I enjoyed listened to him (and him and Mary) on the radio. Jim hosted “America’s Music” on WMZQ on Saturday nights for several years. It was his habit to end his Easter vigil show by playing Dolly Parton singing “He’s Alive” just before midnight. That is simply the most uplifting song ever. If I can stay awake, I play it every Easter eve at midnight. I played the song last night. It never fails to move me to tears. Not tears of sadness, but tears of joy: victory over death. Although I only knew him through the radio, I considered Jim a friend. I think of him and all of those I have lost, and I take comfort in knowing that they are alive and that (if I behave) I will see them again one day.
And given the terrible virus that is currently sweeping the world and our country, the message in Dolly’s song is especially relevant. We will get through this.
My friend and my mentor I miss him so very much
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Thinking of Jim London this evening- Super professional- I didn’t realize how much both he and Mary Ball helped me with learning radio news- on WMZQ- until after I left the station. Both Jim and Mary-top notch professionals- who contributed much to Washington radio
Mary, I have no other way to give you some sad news: Jim’s wife, The “other Mary” died today after a brief battle with cancer. If you know anyone who knew both of them that should know this, please pass it along. They were wonderful friends, now both gone, but living in my heart.
Lynn Kenny
Oh my, Lynn. So sad. Poor Mary. I’m glad they are together now. Just so sad. Thank you for letting me know. I’ll share this news with our friends. Her son, was it Mike? He must be devastated. Do you happen to know where I could write him?
Mary, I’m so glad you still monitor this blog – I really had no other way to get the word out to Jim’s many radio friends. I’m afraid I don’t have a current address for Mike to pass along. (And know one of my first thoughts was the same as yours – they are together again).
Jim London and Mary Ball, the best duo ever on DC radio. I just viewed “Christmas Eve in Washington” on you tube and it immediatelly reminded me of Jim.
Dear Bill,
What a sweet message- thank you. Jim was really one of those people who were born to be on the radio- he was that good. As the years go by I appreciate even more his unique talent, his kindness, his razor-sharp wit and his big heart. I miss him every single day, still. I’m so happy there are still folks like you who remember him with a smile, like I do. Thanks for writing.
I miss Jim on WMZQ on Satuday nights. America’s Music. As good a country oldies show as I have ever heard on the radio. I used to listen to Jim and Mary Ball on WBIG as well. Good days…..all gone. Peace Jim and thank you for many many hours of great music!!!
My wife Ann and I were stationed at US Army Intelligence and Security Command HQ in the early 90’s. We lived in Woodbridge and had close to an hour drive every morning. Jim and Mary made the drive bearable in the I95 traffic and actually started our day with fun, laughter and good music on WMZQ. After retiring in 1994 and 1995, we moved to Pensacola, FL where the country station was WXBM. Took me years to stop calling it WMZQ! We were heartbroken to hear of Jim’s untimely passing.
Dear Dur and Ann- thank you so much for posting to the blog I set up to celebrate Jim. You are very kind to take the time to write- and I so appreciate every single good memory folks like you have of Jim- and me. Honestly, I still can’t believe he’s gone- he was such a huge part of my life for so long and I loved him. No one before or since has been able to make me laugh at 5 in the morning. And for many other -better- reasons Jim was just a hell of a guy. We had a terrific run on WMZQ and I have a thousand great memories. Thank you again for reminding me what a special time that was, and what a special person Jim was. Best wishes to you both. -Mary Ball
As we’re coming up on what would have been Jim’s 67th birthday (I think I am doing the math correctly) I am reminded that radio personalities never really go away. They just move on to a higher frequency. I miss the way it used to be.
Mary, thanks for posting this:
I just googled you to see where you were now and found the article about Jim London. The world has lost a great voice in the Radio Industry. I have shared this on my FB page and hope everyone who knew Jim will see it. I am so sad to hear this. Jim was a great friend and the best of the best DJ’s. When I moved to NC, I really missed hearing Jim on the air. I had not heard about you since you went to Buffalo. I hope you are well and doing what you like best. I really appreciated you and Jim playing my Redskin song back in the 80’s.
Mary Burgess
I just googled Jim’s name and found out that he died over a year ago. I met him several times at different venues and talk to him on the radio. One time I was the 9th caller and won two tickets to see Tim McGraw and Faith Hill at the verizon center(Soul to Soul Tour)As everyone has send, he will greatly be missed and Jim, Thanks for the memories.
Dear Oliver,
Thank you so much for your kind words about our Jim. He would have loved knowing you remember him. I miss him so much- he was not only my on-air partner, he was my best friend. I loved him. He was truly one of a kind.
Thanks again for your post.
-Mary Ball
Jim gave me my first opportunity on the air, in the late 60s at WSBR in Boca Raton, Florida. There was not a kinder, sweeter guy than Jim and I’m heartbroken he’s gone. He taught me much and his legacy will live forever in the lives he touched and friends he made. God bless your memory, Jim!
I read these words and I am so deeply touched. Most spouses who suffer this loss don’t get to know how others experienced the trueness of his existence. I feel less lonely with the understanding that you loved him too.
Mary “London”
I happened to see the news online after talking about Jim, to another friend in the business.
I typed in his name to access his resume page so we could listen to his air-check.
Instead I found a heartfelt letter from his friend Brian…. It was quite a shock. My heart was broken….
I met Jim when he was at WIRK in Palm Beach County Florida. I was just a teenager who’d been bitten by the radio bug and Jim became my mentor and my idol. The Big Brother I never had.
I can’t even begin to guess how many hours I spent sitting in the back of the control room watching him work. Because of his friendship I met a great many others in the business and found myself accepted as an equal despite being younger than the rest of “the gang”. His encouragement led me to get my first on-air job at 15. I am still in the business today and have always looked back on Jim as the biggest influence in my career.
He also became a part of our family…often coming for dinner at our house and becoming friends with my parents. That friendship continued even after he went on to Miami and my family and I could not have been prouder than when he stood to be recognized for his DJ of the Year award.
The Jim we knew was a wonderful, kind and loving man. I feel blessed to have had the chance to have him as a friend and mentor and have no doubt about where he is now! He was one of the best people I’ve ever known.
You are much loved, my brother and will be greatly missed here…..
Carrie Michaels
OOOps. Make that Jim is someone you CANNOT easily forget. (My editor would have killed me.)
I knew Jace (J.C) Martin before he became Jim London and even before he had a beard. We worked together on the hometown newspaper in his native Washington, PA., shortly after Jace (Okay, Jim) left his tugboat days in the Navy. Both of us were 20-somethings and trying to decide what to do with our lives. He could have been a writer. He was that good. But he had a touch of radio experience at the local station, WJPA, where he learned his “radio voice” — that marvelous baritone that seemed to come all the way up from his toes. He would drop into that voice when the mood struck, usually when that pixiesh humor of his just brimmed over. Jennie and I were having dinner with Jim in Waynesburg, a small, rural town about as southwest as you can get in Southwestern Pennsylvania without being in West Virginia. The restaurant was on the west side where the stockyards, railyards and scrap yards lived. It was, suprisingly, the best restaurant in town. Somewhere around the third beer, Jim suddenly dropped into his radio voice ala Guy Lombardo to announce, loudly: “Ladies and gentlemen, we are coming to you tonight from high above Albert’s Restaurant, overlooking scenic Rohanna’s Junkyard in lovely downtown Waynesburg!” For some reason, it was the funniest thing i ever heard. And even though heads turned at the bar, I couldn’t stop laughing. The locals were friendly, however, and we had a nice dinner with Jim entertaining us all night. It’s one of my fondest memories of Jim, He was definitely special. Although we had lost touch for many years, Jim, Jayce, or J. C. Martin/London was not someone you can easily forget.
Regards,
Dave Budinger
Washington, PA
That’s soooooooo Jim. And one of the things that made it so much fun to work with him on the radio. He never minded making a complete fool out of himself!! And everybody just loved it- and him. Great memories, Dave. Thank you.
I very much enjoyed Jim London and Mary Ball on Oldies 100. What a GREAT morning show that was! I guess radio is always changing, but I wish their show could have continued for many more years.
Hi Art- just posted a WBIG montage on YouTube- hope you enjoy it!
Mary,
At your tribute you should play “Christmas Eve in Washington” even though it’s nowhere near December. That is one of the things I miss the most since I left DC.
Terrie
Terrie, I will be singing “Christmas Eve in Washington” live. Go to http://www.christmaseveinwashington.net … we have everything on the website. Maura
I agree that was one of my favorite things to llok forward to every year during the Christmas Season.
Thanks so much Maura – I love that song all year round and miss it so much now that I’m in San Antonio. This link is playing now and it’s brought tears to my eyes along with the memories in my mind.
I will be thinking of all of you at the tribute. Too bad it can’t be broadcast on the net.
Thanks again for your wonderful music and memories.
Terrie
I just saw this and am so grateful to Mary for letting me know about this. Jim and Mary made my day every day while I was in Washington, DC (until, of course, Mary abandoned ship..lol..and then it was just Jim). I was so happy the day I met Jim at a St Jude Radiothon and since I believe there are no accidents or even coincidences, today is the San Antonio St Jude Radiothon and I’m going to donate $50,000 in Jim’s memory. Bless you Jim for all you did for us.
Terrie Wurzbacher
San Antonio, Tx (formerly of Fredericksburg, Va)
You rock! What a tribute to a hellava great guy.
Thanks Gerry! He deserves the best tribute I could give him.
Terrie
Terrie, that’s incredible. I’ll be sure to let everyone know of your generosity, at Jim’s tribute 3/31. Wish you could be there- you’re an angel. Thank you so much.
Mary – it’s just a small gesture but I know Jim was smiling in heaven when they read that it was a tribute to him. I really wish I could be at the event – I wish I could just fly out for it but I don’t think that’s possible right now.
Keep your chin up and keep talking to Jim – he’s listening (as usual).
Terrie
I was a devout listener of Jim’s programs on WMZQ (both with and without Mary). I remember calling the show one morning to tell them a funny story about a British TV commercial and can still remember Jim’s hearty laugh.
I had the pleasure of meeting him briefly when he made a personal appearance at the Seven Corners Shopping Center in the late 1980’s. Jim was extremely personable; we talked for quite some time about country music.
Listening to the radio nowadays, I miss his professionalism, his wit, and his enthusiasm. R.I.P, sir.
Jim and I worked together at four radio stations, KIX 106, WMZQ, WBIG and WGAY. That must be some sort of record. Our last jobs in radio were maybe 40 feet apart though with different Clear Channel stations.
I best remember Jim from the KIX Country days. There we worked adjacent shifts and saw each other daily for two years. We met at Ted Steckers first staff meeting, sitting on cinder blocks leaning the new format. Later, we got to talking. I mentioned moving back to Bowie, and Jim on the spot created Louie from Bowie, one of his most beloved voices. Though Jim had quit doing the Louie character by the time the Bowie Baysox needed a mascot, its no coincidence that Louie from Bowie is alive and well todat at the ballpark. Of course he’s green now, and silent.
I also remember talking with Jim about what we’d like to do with our lives. He said he wanted to retire to the Keys, and bartend at one of those open air places where sailors tell their life stories. Looking at Jim’s most recent address I can’t help but think he got pretty close. If there ever was a guy who deserved to live his dreams… it was Jim London.
I had the honor of working with Jim at WMZQ from 1984-to1988. Jim had experience in news as well as a background serving in the US Navy. He put others before himself. It took me years to figure out that Jim and his partner Mary were the most professional morning team ever to hit the airwaves in the Washington DC radio market. When I was hired full time at WMZQ on the morning show I felt like the “Three Stooges” and “Gomer Pyle USMC” of broadcast journalism all wrapped into one. Jim helped point out who the audience was and what stories/sports/weather/traffic updates were needed to serve the listener. He understood radio. He was a kind and caring human being , and I could very much tell that in his on-air performance
Dear Mary and Mike,
I am so sorry for your loss and want to share my heartfelt condolences. Jim and I – like so many others – go back to his first gig here in the DC area at KIX-106. We met, bonded, and enjoyed each other’s friendship.
A true gentleman and one of the nicest people anyone would want to meet. You two were so very fortunate to have him as part of your lives.
As others share their fondest memories and favorite Jim London story, I will always remember Jim saying something like, “If I ever get out of radio, I can always run for the mayor of Waldorf and win by a landslide.” Jim was a man with lots of friends, colleagues, and fans who will miss him deeply.
Elliott Jaffa
Arlington, VA
If you never met Jim, all you have to do is read this collection of admiring compliments and kind words to get a picture of what a great guy he was. We used to have so many laughs at MZQ, not to mention just a warm interaction between human beings. Jim was like a supportive, older brother to me during our time working together. Years later, during his return to middays at MZQ, I would stop in the studio and we catch up on anything and everything. He was a pro and a genuinely decent man. I miss him.
Radio-wise, Jim was great in any contemporary format. But he was the picture next to the definition when it came to straight-ahead AC and Country. In that brief time he did mornings on WGAY when they were soft-AC, I just marveled at how natural the morning show sounded and, because of that, how much potential that station had. Finally–a station WE could listen to! Of course, like anything else, it got blown up with “market managers” trying to explain their way out of THAT one…
I remember Ranch House on Route 1, too…but didn’t go there often with him. Jim was so professional. Always up early, doing prep. Jim would be up at 1 or 2 while most morning talent was breaking traffic laws to get in by 5:30. Lujack did that same routine when he did mornings in Chicago. Used to be in at WLS at 2-3 AM for 6A on the air. Takes a lot of discipline. Jim did what he needed to do to be truly prepared. More talent should take lessons from that.
Mary and Mike,
John and I were saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. We loved seeing you guys for breakfast at the Ranch House. Those were good old days. We shall always remember him as a wonderful friend, husband and father. He will be greatly missed by all those lives he touched. Be strong and brave and fill your heart with his love and memories. Take care of yourself. Love to the both of you.
John and Gerry
Jim London was the reason I came to DC to work in radio….Steve Allan offered me the position as Jim’s producer and to this day, the best memories of Oldies 100 were with the most talented morning guy ever…Jim London. Sad sad news of Jim’s passing but heaven is one hell of a funnier place now with him there. Always made me laugh….always had a smile when I saw him first thing in the morning. He lived and breathed radio and made coming to work, fun. A true friend and talented man…..We miss you Jim….
I cannot believe this news … “our” Jim is gone. Never forgotten. There are so many stories I could tell. From nights out in Old Town Alexandria (eating his Nutisystem salad at the bar!), to long conversations about life.
Jim ALWAYS had a story to share. And they were always doozies to say the least! I remember when he was in South Florida visiting when I was living down there and after a real bad hangover, he knew what I needed to get the fog out of my head so we could enjoy our day together. He was the friend who could always pick up where you left off, even if it had been a few years since you had spoken.
Rest in peace Jim. You are a beloved friend who will always be remembered with a smile and a warm hug. God bless you!
I was working overnights at WGAY when Jim was doing mornings. After doing years in a smaller market I learned the morning guys were not always night to the overnighter. Jim was different. I learned a life lesson from him. Always early, always doing prep he never failed to ask me ask me when he came in if I needed anything. He always spoke so lovingly about his family and I loved hearing his stories. Of all the people I have worked with in this crazy industry he was the one that taught me one of the best lessons. Always treat others with respect and kindness.
Jim was one of the greatest influences on my career. When I started at WMZQ in 2004, I wasn’t sure I wanted to stay in radio. Watching Jim having fun on the air reminded me why I started in the first place. One of the greatest honors I had was to say “filling in for Jim London.”
So sad to hear the news. I have been thinking about all the good times we had at WMZQ. Will never forget Jim’s genuine warmth and kindness and 100 mph wit. Reading the messages on this board just give a glimpse into how much he is loved and admired. What a loss.
Doug Hill
I’ve spent the afternoon going through old video tapes of Jim and me, through the years; interviews on local TV, interviews in Nashville, hosting telethons, hosting veteran’s events, the Bull Run Country Jamboree, TV coverage we got when my boys were born and I did the show from home…and I have cried a Shenandoah river of tears.
I don’t want to be the only one left who knows our story from the inside.
I don’t want to be without this friend who always had my back, who taught me so much, who always knew just exactly what to say to make me laugh.
And what I’m feeling is nothing compared to what his wife Mary is feeling. Oh, Jim.
He called me “Mare,” just like my sister Libby does. I can still hear him saying it. I can still feel the good way I felt when we were on the air together and everything just clicked- not because of me, God knows, but because of HIM. His talent, his natural sweetness, his class. Do you know he would never say his own name first- it was always “Mary & Jim” when he said it. And so it was always “Jim & Mary” when I said it. Just one of those little things that spoke volumes about who he was as a man.
He was my son Colin’s godfather. When Colin was baptized out at my church at Oatlands, Jim was there. Our minister, the Rev. Elijah (‘Lige) White was giving the sermon, talking about the Israelites leaving Egypt. And he meant to say, “They pitched their tents….” but it came out “They pinched their tits.” Jim kicked me so hard under the pew I must still have a bruise on my shin.
That was my Jim.
I’ll bet he’s telling St. Peter that story right now and he has all of heaven rolling in the aisles.
-Mary Ball
Mary,
I listened to MZQ for as long as I can remember and loved hearing you and Jim in the mornings. Made a lot of long shifts go by quicker, especially in western Loudoun. When I was a rookie Deputy in Loudoun County working mids, sometimes I would see you early in the morning heading into work. 1 day in particular you passed us at a wreck on old route 7 in the early morning, that had you running late for work and you stopped to say hi. I would say that you and Jim were the good guys on the radio when there was some “shock jocks” trying to make their place.
-Stephen Grant
Class act. True professional. Generous soul. but, a fierce competitor. I can remember our initial dinner when we were closing the deal on bringing him and Mary aboard Oldies 100. Though Jim was hurt by how Viacom had treated him – despite being #1 – he was gracious. Except for the fact that he seriously wanted to kick their ass. I was always amazed by how easy he made being a true personality look. He was a rare breed and we are all poorer with his passing.
I worked with Jim at WMZQ during both of his stints there. In a business so often tarnished by arrogance, Jim didn’t have any. He treated me with the same respect no matter my title, from lowly part-timer to full time. He was always kind, and as everyone has pointed out, always a gentleman.
My most endearing memory of Jim was how kind he was to me when I miscarried my first child. My first day back he came around the studio counter and gave me a huge hug. He quietly told me that he was certain that my baby was around me all the time and wanted me to be happy. It was such a sweet thought, one I had never had, and one that brought me so much comfort. No one was funnier than Jim, but his tender side is the one I loved the most.
Jim wasn’t treated as well as he should have been by radio, but look at the heartfelt comments rolling in from the people who knew him. Any man who is loved like that is a genuine success – in life.
….Jim London, great natural jock, but more importantly a real nice genuine guy!!! Chuck Davis….Nokesville, VA
God has the best DJ for his radio station now!!!! I had the honor to work with “THE PROFESSOR” at WMZQ in DC for almost 2.5 years. There was no kinder more gentle man on this planet. His devotion to radio and country music was only second to his love and adoration for his wife Mary and his son Mike. I think back on the times we sat in the studio and talked about whatever popped into our heads(now that was mind blowing conversations). I have lost a best friend and we have all lost one of the greatest DJ’s of all time. My heartfelt love and sympathies pour out to Mary and Mikey
Larry Turner.
I had the pleasure of working with Jim at WQAM/Miami back in 1977 and 1978. I did the newscasts on his shift – and Jim’s pranks and humor often caused me to go into a ‘cast doubled over in laughter! There was also the fun of going out on Todd Storz’s private patio and boat dock on the side of the station, and just sitting there shooting the breeze, watching the fish jump in the canal. I genuinely enjoyed him as a person, someone with both a great heart and a big bucket of mirth. That’s a winning combination in radio – and in life in general. I’ll always remember Jim London with a warm smile. Jeffrey Young.
I just found out about Jim’s passing and I’m heartbroken. It was back in 1981 when I first met Jim through my manager, Dave Henderson. Dave wanted to get Jim’s opinion about my first album and, after Jim heard it, he asked if he could do the liner notes. They were beautiful words from a beautiful man who grew to become one of my closest friends. He was one of the kindest, most compassionate, gentle human beings my heart ever knew. He was also unbelievably funny. The morning I was scheduled to sing our song , “Christmas Eve in Washington”, for the first time, I was driving around the beltway going to WMZQ for a live performance. It was about 5:00 a.m. He and Mary were doing their usual hysterical banter and they got to talking about imagery and how certain things stick with you forever. Right before they were to take a commercial break Jim said… “hey everybody, I’d like to leave you with one of my favorite images…. close your eyes and imagine Dolly Parton in a red spandex Santa suit using a jackhammer…” I almost drove off the road. I was still laughing when I went into the studio. I asked him where he ever came up with that and he pointed to his head and said…”you never want to go in here….” Again, I lost it.
Jim knew and liked a lot of people but he was careful about using the word “love” frivolously. I will say that when he did say it, he meant it deep into his core. He LOVED radio. He LOVED what he did. He LOVED his fans but there was no one he loved more than his family, and, of course, Mary Ball.
Jim’s memory will live on in all of our hearts. He will live on in my heart every time I hear or sing “Christmas Eve in Washington.” I will go back to the memory at my dining room table where our song was conceived. It was a crisp December day, late in the afternoon. I had my guitar, pen and paper ready and Jim pondered for a moment…. “Maura,” he said, “I always loved the imagery of this…. maybe we can use it….” and he went on to say… “It’s snowin’ tonight in the blue ridge”….
The rest is history…..
God love you Jim London. Thank you for all the marvelous times, deep conversations and for all the laughs. Thank you for being a major part of my life.
I will always love you!
Maura
Maura Sullivan mentioned me in her tribute to Jim. How I came to know Jim is another story. He was morning DJ at KIX radio in Woodbridge I believe and I listened to him most mornings. My regular hunting and fishing companion and boy next door, Joe Gilroy, was flying the morning traffic airplane for the radio station. Though only a high school boy at the time he was a licensed Pilot. Joe was, at that time, my only connection to Jim London. As Maura said, I wanted Jim to hear Maura’s voice and to experience her personality, so I asked Joe if he thought he could arrange for me to talk to Jim. Joe was only 17 at the time, but he was quite competent, so a phone call was arranged. Maura and I met Jim and that started a decades long friendship. He was always a joy to spend time with and on several occasions I would accompany Maura to WMZQ for an appearance on the Jim and Mary program, usually to promote Christmas Eve In Washington in order to raise money for Children’s Hospital. Without a doubt Jim and Mary were the most talented radio team in Washington, and to see then interact in the studio was always a privilege.
Jim would have been happy to Know that Joe Gilroy is now one of the most senior Captains on Delta Airlines. Jim would also be amazed to know just how many peoples lives he touched.
Dave Henderson
Mary,
Our thoughts are with you and Mike. We are so sorry for your loss. Jim was a wonderful man.
Veola and Tom
It’s hard to “leave a reply” when you’ve lost a best friend. One day, you wake up and realize the 70s and 80s are your version of the 50s and 60s for the last generation. And, so on. I first met Jim at KIX in 1981. For many people, that was an entire career ago. Hell; an entire lifetime. You laugh when radio people say, “I’ve been doing this since 1992!” Jim and I used to laugh about it, too. I can’t tell you how many times we sat at the bar at Chadwick’s in Old Town or –what was it–the Mustache Cafe on Route 1…and just spewed everything we hated about broadcasting. Nowhere in that hatred, though, was anything about actually being on the air. It was all ancillary crap. Our careers would move on and, of course, we would talk a lot and even work together a couple more times. I used to do a pretty good Howard Cosell. One day, I said, as Howard, “There’s no need for this!” The line actually came from watching the Larry Holmes/Tex Cobb fight, which Cosell covered. Jim thought that was the most novel thing he’d ever heard and it became his catch-phrase until the end of his life. We talked about many things and spent a great deal of time together over the years. But I will have to go a long, long way to know a finer person. Jim London (and Mary Ball) should have been on satellite, syndicated and living out his retirement years in comfort. It tears me up to know he’s gone. But I’m also so glad for all the good times. A real gentlemen.
sean hall
ashburn, VA
Mary your words are very touching.Please send Marys email address so I can reach her.Hope she has Mike With her.
Mary Martin, Jim’s wife, is at cyrusplace@hotmail.com.
Thanks so much,
-Mary Ball
Thank you so much Mary,
I sent Mary and Mike a quick note in hope they will respond in time.A long time ago Jim and I meet at a event at Beacon mall.It was called Beat the Best,Held by Groveton high school .Guiness book.I told him my name and from that day on I was cousin Craig,That was80,81.We shared alot of off time together after that.One thing I know for sure is the name Mary has played in the biggest part of Jim’s life.I am sure you were his best friend and Mary was the love of his life.Either way you all look at this it is great to a guy that I just listened in awe,The best voice I ever heard on radio.South Alexandria lost a Icon,And I lost a friend,I hope all who listened to Jim and were friends of Jim will remember the things he did for this area.And remember he was the MAN who had the National Anthem played every day in the Nations Capital,And to this day it is still done.America we owe Jim one for that.Its Saturday night and the oldies should be playing,See you soon my friend,Spin a few for all your new and ole listeners tonight.
Jim and I bonded over the fact we found out we were from neighboring small towns in Pennsylvania.
He was such a warm guy and great radio voice…there’s definitely been a void on the DC radio dial without him.
Hope he’ll be having fun in heaven with Wolfman, Freda, Celeste, Jack Alix and all the other people we lost way too soon!
Mary,
I listened to the Jim and Mary show for as long as I can remember following every story as if it was about my own family. Back in the mid 80’s I took my kids to a grand opening for a shopping center just to meet you and Jim in person. During that same period, Jim would stop by the Whistle Stop Restaurant in Alexandria VA where I worked. He loved the meatloaf (and who didn’t.) You and Jim were our hometown radio stars. If you lived on the east coast, then you knew Jim London and Mary Ball. I would even listen to the easy listening station on Saturday’s because Jim was hosting the mid-day show. So many many memories. Tough to see that go. Rest now Jim. Your work on earth is through.
I loved Jims’ dry wit… one of my favorite “lines” uttered by Mr. London (when he was working again at WMZQ) “There are five radio stations in this building… I’ve worked for six of them!”
Godspeed, Jim. To fair winds and following seas.
Dearest Mary,
It saddens me to here that we have lost Jim.I will miss him greatly.he was a true friend.The greatest Boise in Washington has been silenced.He will however always be in our hearts.Hold tight to Mike and if you need me I’ll be here for you.
Love you all,
Craig