Jamestown Radio Legend Jim Roselle Passes Away at 89 [VIDEO]

If you grew up close enough to Jamestown to hear WJTN, you knew Jim Roselle's voice.  You probably also always wanted to be part of the Saturday Breakfast Party, a feature on the station since 1946.

The very first time I was on the radio was when I was 4 or 5 years old, when Jim put that giant, foam-covered microphone in front of my sticky plate, piled high with Perkins pancakes and sausage.  I thought I was about the biggest deal on the planet when he asked me how old I was.  I wish I still had the pictures from that day.

And while I can't say that was when I first knew I wanted to be in radio, it WAS when I first came to know Jim, and what a kind, decent, loving man he was.

Jim had a way of making you feel like you were the only person in the room, even if the room was filled with thousands.  In an industry most don't last a decade in, Jim broadcast for 61 years...spending 41 of those summers broadcasting from Chautauqua Institution.  That tradition will continue, as according to Rick Brodowski, WJTN station manager, "It is what Jim would want."

Jim wrote a book called "The Best Times of My Life", with personal accounts of over 6 decades in broadcasting, and detailing his memories of the Chautauqua summers.

WJTN's website sums it up perfectly:  "Local radio will continue, but it will never be the same." 

The last time I saw Jim was at House of Petillo over Thanksgiving.  He was, as usual, kind and gracious, and wanted to know how my radio career was going.  I can only hope mine lasts as long -- and with as many accolades -- as his.

Rest In Peace, Mr. Roselle.  You will be sorely missed.