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James Carney Obituary
The long-time Roswell resident and inductee into the Country Radio Hall of Fame and the Georgia Radio Hall of Fame was a dominant force on Kicks 101.5 (WKHX-FM) from 1991 to 2012.
Moby was in radio for more than 40 years, going back to his small hometown of Crossville, Tennessee, with blue-collar parents. He picked up the nickname Moby when he was 12 when he almost drowned in a lake and someone said he looked like Moby Dick splashing around in the water.
At 15, he landed his first radio job at WCSV-AM in Crossville playing Sunday morning gospel music for $1.60 per hour. He attended Belmont College - now Belmont University - in Nashville after high school and planned to major in music education. But partway through, he quit and went into radio full time.
Before coming to Atlanta, he worked at stations in Nashville, Tampa, Dallas and Houston, where he became a popular rock jock in the 1980s.
He is survived by his wife Mary Beth, son Jonah and daughter Grace.
Read more about James "Moby" Carney on ajc.com
Memories and Condolences
for James Carney
45 Entries
Angela
April 23, 2025
I´m just now learning of Mr. Moby´s passing. I enjoyed listening to him in the mornings while driving my very young daughter to school. I appreciated his clean humor and patriotism. One particular morning I remember him telling a big yarn describing how jeans a few other friends were driving somewhere and they were in a car "packed like 3 fat rats in a beer can". Me and my now 27 year old daughter still chuckle about that. Money, you´ll never be forgotten.
Tom Price
April 8, 2025
Hello. My condolences. I used to listen to Moby in the Morning when I was down in the Atlanta area. I lived in an apartment in DeKalb County while going to school at DeVry. That was during the 1992 - 1996. I left the Atlanta area just before the Olympics. I had just retired from the U.S. Air Force at Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico. I left Tom Price
Susan Garrett
February 4, 2025
I listened to Moby in Houston before he moved to Atlanta. At this point in his life he talked about his ex-wife Goldie, his current wife Kellie, and his little son Jonah. Interesting times; I missed him when he left town.
Calvin Curley
March 22, 2024
I began listening to MR Moby when he was on kicks 101.5! I allways loved listening to him with my dad and mom. He was fun to listen too.
Cary Castile
November 17, 2023
Lawrence Marshall
October 28, 2023
Lets take a trip down memory lane. Met Moby, Kelly and Jonathan in 87 went on to build them a pool in Kingwood then many fishing, hunting and studio build out many meals by Marybeth. Moby this world lost a wonderful, thoughtful, caring, loving, soul. But lets remember his crown will have many jewel's. Sorry for not writing sooner but my mind cannot accept the phone not ringing with him on the other end. Moby you brought laughter and joy to our families. The yeah baby still float's and what an honor to have you splashed it. Marybeth Love yall and my our Lord continue to bless you and the family. Forever missed
Lawrence Marshall and family.
Betty Britt
October 14, 2023
I will forever carry Moby in my heart until we meet again in Heaven. I was not able to attend the celebration service due to breast surgery on Mon. Moby was a great man, he was the MC for our Senior Beauty Pageants for over 25 years. Moby always made the women feel beautiful and knew just what to say to them. Mary Beth always supported him and would attend when possible. I am so sorry and pray God blesses and gives you the peace that surpasses all understanding. Moby was always so proud of his family and spoke of them often. Please know you are each one in my prayers and will be for some time to come. I love you all! Yeah Baby!
Dr tony prendes
October 10, 2023
Very patriotic , clever and the funniest man I´ve ever known
God Bess you Marybeth
Alan Sneed
October 9, 2023
God bless you, Mary Beth, and the rest of your family, Ol´ Pal. We love you!
Shirley Mcdowell
September 26, 2023
I met Moby at the bargain barn in jasper ga, with Joy and Roy. I still have that picture he took with me. He was always the same. No fake just good people. We will be missed. Shirley Mcdowell
Cody Ridings
September 26, 2023
My name is Cody. I have listened to Mr. Moby most shout "Yeah, baby!" all of my life. I called in to every "Lyrical Pursuit" morning show that he had...winning an impressive 37 refrigerator magnets! I also won the first "Redneck Snack Basket" and will keep it for the rest of my life in remembrance of my radio friend. I was there with my parents on his last radio broadcast at his studio in Roswell....captured a photo of his weathervane...a whale, of course! Moby had so many friends and listeners who felt like family, he was just so appreciated. There will never be a replacement for his humor, Hometown Hero's stories and just his devotion to making his radio family a part of his life. Thank you, Mr. Moby for all of the years we had with you.
Linda Ellis
September 25, 2023
I have Moby to thank for changing the direction of my entire career. He read my poem (The Dash) on the radio more than 26 years ago and now I'm an author. I'll always be grateful to him for giving me the confidence and exposure I needed. He lived his dash well! Linda Ellis
Clyde Collins
September 25, 2023
Moby was a huge influence on me. He will be missed by many .prayers to his family.
Steve Williams
September 24, 2023
Several years ago at a ZTA fundraiser, my wife and I got to meet Moby. He definitely was the real deal. Our prayers are with his family. I can only imagine Moby and Rhuby doing a radio show together in Heaven. Thanks, Moby, for the good times and may you rest in His eternal peace.
Elizabeth Ann Hughes
September 24, 2023
He will be missed. His radio discussions were always thought provoking. My condolences to his family. May he rest in peace- Yeah Baby!
Ed and Karen Brown - Friends and Fellow Hunters
September 23, 2023
Moby was a true friend to all of us. He supported wildlife conservation with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Banquets and quail hunted with some of the local members and helped the Rotary Club of Madison County as MC for their Spring Festival in Danielsville, Georgia and also supported their community service programs. He even brought his son Jonah over one weekend and participated in a pheasant hunt. Moby was always up beat and looking forward and uplifted the spirits of anyone in his reach. Please except our sincere condolences and we will keep the family in our thoughts and prayers.
Dr. Ed Brown Professor Emeritus Plant Pathology University of Georgia
Michelle Trammell
September 23, 2023
I am a houstonian and I remember Moby very well. First, when I was around 13 our phone number was off by one or two numbers from 97 Rock´s and he was doing Moby in the morning. Our phone would ring early in the mornings from people thinking they were calling the station. Then years later after he moved away my bestie and I were at the airport. We were in line and of course listening to the people behind us (nosy). We both realized we recognized the voice. It was Moby!! We both turned with a shocked look on our faces and he just smiled and said hello. Just fyi I listened to Moby in the morning even with the calls, which were at first blamed on me by my dad who thought it was my friend, lol. RIP Moby you are loved.
September 23, 2023
James is immortalized, not only through his deeds ,however ; furthermore by his deciples
Tammy Pratt
September 23, 2023
I remember hearing Moby every morning on kicks 101.5 yeah baby and he always brightened my day I met him a few months ago pretty funny guy in person too. I was invited to go eat dinner at his home but never got the chance to. I will miss you Moby RIP SIR
Joshua Nowlin
September 23, 2023
Moby we missed. I was a big fan of his on the radio nobody can place him rest in peace
Kay
September 23, 2023
There are so many wonderful memories of you Mr MOBY. Many like myself were so blessed to listen to you in Houston for the years you worked there. I continued to listen to you when you and Steve had that show too. My heart and sincere prayers and condolences go out to Mary Beth, and family. Rest in Peace, MOBY! YEAH BABY!!
Josh Nowlin
September 23, 2023
Moving in in the morning was a great morning show. I love to listen to every morning when I live in Georgia I´m still big fan of his and he will always be missed rest in peace.
Josh nowlin
September 23, 2023
I´ll miss you Moby you are always be missed you big fan Josh Nowlin
Dawn Costa
September 22, 2023
Such a wonderful DJ who helped me drive to work everyday. Rest in peace.
Linda Statham
September 22, 2023
I guess anybody and everybody who met "Moby" has a special story about him. Here's mine. My parents retired to Fairfield Glade, TN which is a lovely retirement area about 6 miles north of Crossville where Moby grew up. With my mother's dementia was beginning to increase, we started to look for a facility in Fairfield. We visited a lovely facility and were invited to see one of the resident's room. The room was filled from floor to ceiling with pictures and awards of a man named "Moby." If there was a flat area on a table or dresser, it had a picture of "Moby." Yes, it was the room belonging to Moby's mother. (At that time because I was a full-time school teacher, listening to the morning radio programs was not on my agenda.) Mama was SO proud of her son and his many accomplishments. I just pretended like I knew him well. Move forward another 10 + years when my husband and I started attending the meaningful "Roswell Remembers" Memorial Day programs which we have seldom missed since they began the programs. Lo and behold, there was a man named "Moby" who was the emcee. After the ceremony I was able to visit with him to tell him how I had met his mother in TN and how she raved about him and his talents and so on. He made me feel like I was now one of his very best friends so at each Roswell Remembers program, I made a point of finding him and reminding him again of how much she loved him and how proud she was of her talented and wonderful son. He seemed so pleased to hear that message, even though it was the same, year after year. I treasure those few little visits I had with him but am thankful to have had that opportunity. It is obvious that he will be missed GREATLY by his family and his HUGE admiring swarm of friends. Rest in peace Moby and I am glad you are now reunited with your Mama, one of your best loving PR representative.
Linda Statham - Cherokee Co.
Mary Sellers
September 22, 2023
Always enjoyed listening to Moby. I'm sorry for your loss May the Lord give you comfort and peace during this time. RIP Mr. Moby.
Hal Pate
September 22, 2023
This is a short story of Moby´s genuine and generous nature...
I was an avid listener of Kicks 101.5 in the 90s and a big fan of Moby, Deborah and Jim. I especially loved his spoofs of popular country songs. My college bluegrass/country band of brothers used to goof on songs during rehearsals in the 70s, so this was both very entertaining and nostalgic.
The muse hit me one day in 1995 while listening to Randy Travis´ "Diggin´ Up Bones" and the result was a set of spoof lyrics entitled "Tryin´ Stuff On". On a whim, I sent them in to Moby, and a couple of weeks later, I got a personal call from him saying he and Hal Coleman wanted to do this as Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson. He invited me to the recording session (in a friend´s living room). Just watching those two create and tweak and laugh all through it was memorable.
I eventually sent Moby two other spoofs which he and "Chunks of Fun" recorded with The Plywood Boys. I talked with Moby a few times after that and he always spoke with me like one of the guys, even though he was this major radio personality with a hugely popular show.
I am always impressed by celebrities who work so hard to build their brand and status yet don´t let it go to their heads. Moby left such an impression and legacy with many people. We have lost a legend and a good soul. My sincerest condolences to Mary Beth, Jonah and Grace.
Hal Pate
Connie Cronin
September 21, 2023
We are so very sorry to hear this sad news. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mary Beth, Jonah and Grace
Sincerely,
Mike, Connie, Rob and Stella
Cindy G
September 21, 2023
You will be greatly missed.
Many great times listing to Moby in the morning.
Moby will always known as the best!
Shannon
September 21, 2023
I listened to Moby in the morning every day on my way to work when I lived in Fort Worth, TX. I moved to Atlanta in 1988 and left my beloved drive time DJ's behind. One day in Atlanta I saw a billboard that simply said "Moby". I knew in my heart who it was and couldn't wait to hear him on the radio once again. Moby, you made drive time so much fun with your quick wit and charm and of course The Scotsman Song every Friday. Thank you for the joy you brought to our rushhour. Godspeed Mr. Moby! Prayers for the Carney family.
Pixy Morgan
September 21, 2023
I'd known Moby since his HS days. He was an uncle to my 3 children through his brother, Lawrence. He was kind and my children loved him. Blessings and prayers to Moby's family. Pixylyn Morgan
Wendell Nealon
September 21, 2023
While most are remembering Moby for his contributions to radio, my memories of him go back to the halls of CCHS (Cumberland County High School)
I saw him almost daily. He was a bit of an icon there in those halls.
Moby was legendary in his high school years. Playing in the band and doing his radio spot on our local AM station.
But above all else Moby was a fun spirit that drew everyone into his orbit.
My sympathy and prayers go out to his family.
Thank you Moby for the memories.
Michael Huff
September 21, 2023
I knew Moby got a long time.
He asked me if he could get married at our church since it was so close to his house so i facilitated it for him.
The wedding was beautiful !!
He also emceed many of the Atlanta Songwriters/Georgia Music Industry music showcases of which I was on the board of directors of both.
He was kind, funny and so easy to talk to.
I will miss him greatly
Hugs and prayers for the family
Jeffrey rich
September 21, 2023
I remember Moby in morning on kicks 101.5fm in Atlanta Georgia. What awesome man and great Atlanta country music DJ God bless you and your family at this time. Rip my friend
Jackie Hallada
September 21, 2023
I went to Germany with Moby and Matthew in the 80's. He was such and incredible man. He will be missed.
Jon
September 21, 2023
Super talented guy.. Jon
Donna C. Rowe
September 21, 2023
Moby, my dear friend, was always there for us veterans. He was indeed a proud Coast Guard son and never forgot who gave us freedom. He certainly lived his "Dash" to the fullest. WE'LL MISS HIM!! Prayers to Mary Beth and the children. With DEEP Sympathy, Donna C. Rowe (CPT Army Nurse, Vietnam)
James Read
September 21, 2023
I grew up listening to MR Moby since the day he came to Atlanta. Feels like I have lost a member of my family. He always had a way of making us feel like part of his from listening to Jonah and Gracie grow up to his life with Mary Beth. You were the best DJ I have ever listened to and will be missed. Yeah Baby!
Bruce Crowley
September 21, 2023
Moby was a dear friend of mine. He did radio ads for my advertising agency for 13 years. My condolences to Mary Beth and his children. He will be missed by everyone.
Bruce Crowley
Darlene Phillips
September 21, 2023
Loved to listen to him on the radio each morning. The scotsmans song and other catchphrases were so funny. Met him a couple of times when he did Santa Moby at the Festival of trees in atlanta and had my picture taken sitting on his lap. Great guy. He will be missed and certainly never forgotten.
Doug Miller
September 21, 2023
We have missed you on the radio and we will miss you in life. Yeah Baby!
Catherine McGee
September 21, 2023
What a great man and a great loss for his loving family and friends. So very sorry. Blessed to have known Moby.
Mike
September 21, 2023
Every Friday morning -- the Scotsman song. It was a great way to head into the weekend. Every Memorial Day ... hosting Roswell Remembers and honoring all those who served. Thanks Moby.
Nancy Gandee
September 21, 2023
Sending prayers up for his family and friends. Great memories of him.
Nancy
Linda
September 21, 2023
Oh, Peaches! I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Moby's passing. I listened to him on Kicks every morning all the years he was there. Condolences to his wife and family
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