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James Bigbie Obituary

James Edgar Bigbie - Bloomingdale -James Edgar Bigbie, 64, of Bloomingdale, died Sunday, April 1, 2007 at his residence, under the care of Hospice Savannah, Inc. He was born in Statesboro, GA, and was a graduate of H. V. Jenkins High School, and was a veteran, having served in the US Navy, with the rank of Yeoman Third Class Petty Officer. He was Honorably Discharged Sept. 17, 1969. He was involved in the Theater Business, having managed for the American Broadcasting Company Theaters in both Georgia and Alabama. James Edgar Bigbie (also known as Les Allen), was a 40 year Savannah Broadcast Veteran. He started his career in 1958 at WGML in Hinesville, moved to WBYG, but was best known for his tenure at WSGA. He moved to WSGA in 1967, and was one of the original "Goodtimers". Les was there when the station started it's run, as one of the legendary top 40 stations in the country. He began as a DJ and eventually became news director. He was the host of the popular live call in show, "Talk Back". When WRHQ 105.3 came on the air in 1991, Les was the station's weather forecaster and served in that capacity until 2005., leaving only when his failing health left him unable to continue. He was Vice President and Office Manager of Savannah Communications, from October 1979 until Dec 2004. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Michelle Bigbie. He is survived by his wife, Marjorie Cason Bigbie of Bloomingdale, GA; his parents, Edgar F. and Alice Crowley Bigbie of Richmond Hill, GA; two brothers, Donald L. Bigbie, and Ronald E. Bigbie both of Savannah, GA and several nieces and nephews. Visitation: 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at the Fairhaven Funeral Home. Funeral Services: 11 a.m. Thursday in the Chapel of Fairhaven Funeral Home, with Dr. Michael Guido, officiating. Interment: Gravel Hill Cemetery. Pallbearers will be: Bill Kennedy, Mark Anderson, Earl Bergen, Tommy Morrison, Jason Churchill, Harold Miller, Ron O'Rourke, and Brandon Sikes. Remembrances: Guido Evangelistic Association, P.O. Box 508, Metter, Ga 30439, and Hospice Savannah, Inc., 1352 Eisenhower Drive, Savannah, Ga 31406. Fairhaven Funeral Home & Crematory 2794 US Highway 80, West Savannah, Ga 31408 912-964-2862 www.fairhavenfuneral.com Savannah Morning News April 3, 2007 Please sign our Obituary Guest Book at www.savannahnow.com

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Published by Savannah Morning News on Apr. 3, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for James Bigbie

Not sure what to say?





doug stalker

February 17, 2008

my name is doug stalker, I had not seen Ed in almost 50 years. We were friends when I worked at WBYG from 1961-1964, We even met twice on Okinawa in the mid 60s. I am so sad he is gone. He was a friend

Danny Coleman

April 12, 2007

I have known Ed,James, JB, Les through most of his careers. At 16 he was ED working for ABC Theatres at the Avon, while I was working at the Lucus. Then at WSGA where we worked together he was Les. He went by different names at different jobs. So if he was at Savannah Communications its James, or JB, At the theatres Ed, on the radio it was Les. Always had to stop and think were I was so I would know what to call him and not get strange looks from the people that didn't know he had all those names.
Back in those days if he wanted you to do something and you weren't able to do it he would wringle up his lip and say, " Well fine, just fine".
He is a very good friend and I will miss him very much. I say is a good friend because thats how he lives in my mind and heart and will not be forgotten. He is still my very good friend.

Danny Coleman

Betsy Haddock

April 8, 2007

Mr Ed, Lucy, Ronald and the rest of the Bigbie family. I was sorry to hear about James passing. He was such a wonderful happy person. And those letters he wrote were so clever. The main memory of James will be the look on his face when he would "crack" himself up laughing. He will be missed by many

Linda Player

April 6, 2007

Margie, Don & Family,
I knew JB about 10 years before I actually met him. We would talk on the phone when I worked at Carolina Comm. When I joined the staff at Sav. Comm., it was such a pleasure to meet him in person. He was such great fun to be around. My fondest memory of him will be his ability to laugh at himself. He would tell something that he did silly or stupid and laugh like crazy. There wasn't a song that he didn't know. That was amazing. I will miss him so much.
With love,
Lindafella

Jerry Rogers

April 6, 2007

From 140 WSGA to Q105.3 Les was always there for me. In fact, he was always there for everyone. A kinder, more generous and gentler soul you could never find.

April 6, 2007

MAY GOD BLESS YOU IN YOUR TIME OF SORROW. OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
FROM ALL OF US AT QUICK RX HWY 21

Henry Milner

April 5, 2007

Ed

My thoughts are with you and Lucy.

Faye Cunningham

April 5, 2007

Sorry to hear of "Les" passing, my prayers are with all the family and I know he will be missed by everyone. That is a wonderful article in the SMN.

Danny Kramer

April 5, 2007

Ed was one of the very few in this kooky business of ours who made everything look easy. When the rest of us were slaving away at finding the hard way to accomplish something, he would sit down, turn the michrophone on and out would come the perfectly constucted thought. He was a master and it was always a treat to be around him. Though many miles have seperated me from Savannah Radio, there isn't a day that goes by when I'm not reminded of it. Ed was such an integral part of building something which won't be repeated. Quite a man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. He won't be forgotten.

George Thames

April 5, 2007

I was saddend to hear of Ed's passing Sunday. I know Ed through his work at Savannah communicationa and first met him long ago there. My memory of Ed will always be that in spite of all the stress that was part of our business at Motorola, he was always happy in the moment and had a smile for you if you stopped by to say hi. I had not been close over the past several years, but want to express my thoughts and prayers for Ed, Don, Martha and the entire family. His spirit will be remembered and missed.

Ken Griffin, MD, W4JKG

April 4, 2007

To the Bigbie Family ---
Margie, Don, "Ed" (I just can't call an elder of mine by his first name off of Ham radio!) and Mrs Alice Bigbie.

I feel such loss at the passing of JB. His sense of humor, even under the worst of circumstances this past couple of years, has always made him special to me in our office. He faced the reality of his illness with such bravery, through thick and thin. He will be sorely missed.

Margie, I've never seen a spouse care for her Loved One as I have seen you care for JB over the years. I think few outside of your family understand the intensity of care that you provided. You are an amazing lady and truly express the characteristics of the "Proverbs 31" wife.

Don, as MY children grow up,I hope they show the same degree of love, attention, and sacrifice of time (even when there was no time in a busy schedule!) to their siblings as you have given to JB.

Mr and Mrs Ed Bigbie, we're ALL thankful for parents who PRAY FOR US as their children on a daily basis. I will never forget the smile on Ed's face that day at Sunny Side Up when he told me that JB had prayed and accepted the Lord.
Isn't that what we all want for our children, to know they have the "Blessed Assurance that Jesus is Mine" ?!? To know that we'll all meet again one day ?!?

Ed, I met you and Mrs Bigie last in your family, but you know the Love in Christ I have for you. Your life, even through these difficult times, is an inspiration for us "young guys" (hihi !) out here. I'm thankful for all you teach me.

I truly feel ya'll are a part of our family and mourn the loss of JB.I'm honored to have helped with his medical care the past few years and regret that we couldn't offer more. Know that the prayers of the Griffin family continue to be with you.

Jerry Katz

April 4, 2007

I was sad to learn today of Ed's passing. He was always Les Allen to me in those days at WSGA. I remember those scooters that he mentioned in the article in the paper and the fun we had at the station that summer. My thoughts and prayers go to his family.

Marc & Kriss Bigbie

April 4, 2007

Margie,

We are so sorry for your loss. If there is anything we can do for you, please let us know. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Love,
Marc & Kriss Bigbie

James, aka Les Allen, at WSGA-AM

April 4, 2007

Barr Nobles

April 4, 2007

I am deeply saddened to learn that Ed died. We were among the original Goodtimers at WSGA. It was an exciting time for a group of youngsters, all of us trying to create something new in Savannah radio.
I was always doubly happy to see Ed arrive at the station: it meant that my airshift was over, and it gave me a few minutes every night to visit with him.
I have to admit I was a little in awe of him. After all, he'd been in the military and he was four years older than me (he was 25 and I was 21 -- a big deal at that age).
We all owe a big debt of gratitude to the fans who listened to us, who cheered us on, and made us feel like we were doing something special.
Ed was indeed something special.
My best to his family and friends.

Marlene and James Hunt Hunt

April 4, 2007

Our prayers are with you in time of your loss. Marlene and James Hunt in cleveland

Carolyn Carroll

April 4, 2007

To the extended Bigbie family:
I was blessed to know "Les" while he was at WSGA during the heyday of the Goodtimers. Danny, Jerry, Les, Fred and Lyndy were some of the most professional persons...not to mention the most fun to be around group you could ever meet! "Les" had a great voice and was a lovely person to be around. May God grant you the peace that is His alone and may he wrap His arms around you and give you rest. Yours in Christ.

Charles & Cookie Varner

April 4, 2007

There is an excellent story about James, aka Les Allen, as well as a tribute to him, in today's "Savannah Morning News." If you have a few minutes, check it out.

david and theresa keener

April 4, 2007

Dear Margie,Donald and family, You are in our prayers. God bless you and strengthen you. David and Theresa Keener

Jackie Dover

April 4, 2007

I remember James from the years he was dj'ing and just in the past 6 months became reacquainted with him when he joined our forum at In Old Savannah.

I don't think you could have found a more likable and personable individual and we will all miss him.

Our Prayers and thoughts go out to his family and friends.

Jackie

Jason Churchill

April 3, 2007

When i started with this company eleven years ago, no other individual stood out like JB. We instantly became friends and shared many similar interests. I always looked forward to seeing him and was eager to engage his whimsical wit. He was truly one of a kind, whose presence will bring me joy the rest of my days. I am sure now, more than ever,he is "swell".

LARRY R. USRY, SR.

April 3, 2007

JAMES AND I WERE IN CLASSES TOGETHER AT SHS. WE BECAME FRIENDS IN ART CLASS. HE GAVE ME A JOB AT THE LUCAS THEATRE AND BECAME MY FIRST BOSS. HE TRIED TO GET ME TO FILL IN FOR HIM ONE NIGHT AT DOUG BROOME"S DRIVE-IN WHEN HE FIRST STARTED DJ-ING, BUT I WAS TOO SHY TO DO IT. I KNOW THAT HIS HEALTH WAS BAD THE LAST FEW YEARS. I ALWAYS THOUGHT OF HIS SUFFERING WHEN I WAS SICK, AND IT MADE ME STRONGER. BUT THE BIBLE ASSURES US THAT TO BE ABSENT IN THE BODY IS TO BE PRESENT WITH THE LORD!
CPL. LARRY R. USRY, SR. SAVANNAH POLICE DEPT. (RETIRED)

david/cyndy blount

April 3, 2007

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

William (Billy) Whitten

April 3, 2007

Ed and I were young DJs together at WBYG (Big Radio) in the front of the old DeSoto Hotel. I haven't seen him in years, but have great memories of the late'50s-early '60s on Savannah radio.
My heart goes out to his family and friends.

Connie Bruce (CB) Deal

April 3, 2007

Ed and I were schoolmates at Jenkins, and our social friendship continued after graduation. Loved his programs at WBYG, and treasured his friendship. Peace and love to his bereaved family.

BEVELY CAIN

April 3, 2007

MARGIE, DON AND FAMILY,
JB AND I HAD SO MANY GOOD LAUGHS OVER THE YEARS WHILE WORKING TOGETHER. HE WAS SUCH A HAPPY PERSON, AND WE COULD USUALLY FIND SOMETHING FUNNY IN EVERY SITUATION. I'VE REALLY MISSED HIM THE LAST TWO YEARS, HE WAS LIKE A
BROTHER.JB SUFFERED SO MUCH THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS, BUT NOW THERE'S NO MORE PAIN. HE'S WITH GOD AND MICHELLE.ALL OF YOU ARE IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS.

LOVE YOU,
GRANNY BEV

James's senior photo, in the 1963 Jenkins High School

Charles & Cookie Varner

April 3, 2007

Having known James for close to 50 years, and considered him a close friend, and having admired his excellent personal qualities and career achievements, this is a sad day for my family and me. And, in reflection of James's impact on the community, a sad day for the Savannah area. We offer our sincerest condolences to the Bigbie family

Tiffany Churchill

April 3, 2007

JB was always so kind and loving to my family. I can remember that he made sure he came to my daughters 3rd birthday at the Flying Frogs. He loved to watch the children play. My heart goes out to all the family at this time. You all will be in my prayers, Sincerely Tiffany Churchill

Susan Shuman

April 3, 2007

Aunt Margie,we are going to miss Uncle James alot.We love you very much.Curtis,Susie,Ben and Sam

John Long

April 3, 2007

Thoughts and prayers from The Georgia Radio Hall Of Fame family.

Sally Reich

April 3, 2007

Aunt Margie, we love you and are going to miss Uncle James very much. Sally, Butch, J.Jay, and Tanner Reich

Jessica Knowles

April 3, 2007

Sorry about your loss. He will be missed by many. May GOD bless you.

David and Melissa Morris

April 3, 2007

Our thoughts and prayers will be with you.

Raymond Cook

April 3, 2007

I am sorry to hear of your loss.
May Jesus comfort you in this time.

April 3, 2007

Margie,
I knew James for 35 years and saw him the happiest after he met you. We have wonderful memories of Adams Road with y'all and if you ever drain that fishing pond you'll find all the poles, anchors, and garden tools you've been missing that our boys dropped in there. love, Bunny

Gloria Braddock

April 3, 2007

Aunt Margie and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I want you to know our thoughts and prayers are with you all in this time of sorrow. May God bless you and comort you. Aunt Dodie and family (Gloria Braddock) Butch & Sallie's Aunt

Marcia Frame

April 3, 2007

My heart goes out to the Bigbie family. I pray GODs comfort for all of you at this time.

MaryAnn Cook

April 3, 2007

Don and Family,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss.

MaryAnn Cook

April 3, 2007

Don and Family,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss.

Mike Goodling

April 3, 2007

Ed, Tom Hux and I joined the Navy together in Sept. 1963. We went to boot camp in San Diego. We were High School friends and hung out at the radio station. I remember the long nights at the radio station listening to the music with Ed's ability to be most discriptive when talking "on the air". I will remember

Samuel McAlexander

April 3, 2007

JB will missed by many who knew him. He was a wonderful person.

martha swindelle

April 3, 2007

Margie and Family;
Please accept our sincere condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
God Bless,
Martha and Roy Swindelle

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