Jimmy Darrell "Jimbry" Embry Sr.

Jimmy Darrell Embry Sr., 70, of Evansville, passed away June 14, 2008, at St. Mary's Medical Center after a long illness. He was known to many as "JIMBRY."

He was originally born in Taffy, Ky., but had lived most of his life in Evansville. In 1958, he began his career in the production department at WTVW-Channel 7, and then received his first "on-the-air" job as a disc jockey (DJ) at WPCO Radio in Mount Vernon, Ind. He then joined WJPS where he became known as the host of "Nite Sounds of the Jimbry Show." He went on to work with several other DJs in the area at the Evansville Community Center on Saturday nights (Dave Wood, Jack Comer, and Byron Zint) as well as sock hops in the Surf Club, and the Tri-State Sunday Center in the coliseum. Jim became the track announcer at the Tri-State Speedway in the 1960s. In 1963, he was honored as "Disc Jockey of the Month," where the industry honored one radio personality from across the nation each month. He then went to WROZ moving from rock 'n roll to country! In 1967, he was credited for bringing Evansville's first "Shower of Stars Show" to Roberts Stadium, where he had the privilege of hosting country stars such as Dolly Parton, Mel Tillis, Tonya Tucker, Porter Wagner, Dick Clark and many others. He hosted the original Star Route 7, on WTVW-TV 7 every morning from 7 to 8 a.m. between 1969 and 1972. In 1972, he officially ended his radio and television career, working part-time into the 1990s with stations WYNG and WKDQ, playing the popular "Country Classics." He then moved into a completely different role as a food broker, where he became co-owner of Utley-Embry, Inc. up to his retirement in 1991. In his later years, one of his hobbies was having daily coffee with his buddies at the Coffee Shop and more recently, the Carousel.

He was a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather, and he loved his dog, Buffy Sue. He had an extreme love and passion for the radio industry, and helped to shape the sounds of the rock 'n roll airwaves from rock to country. He was very instrumental in accomplishing numerous "firsts" during the early radio and television years.

Jim was preceded in death by his father, Girthon Grant Embry; his mother, Ethel Gertrude Embry; and his grandparents.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Mary Ann; son, Jimmy D. Embry Jr. and wife, Molly, of Orlando, Fla.; daughter, Vicki Darlene Boedeker and husband, Bob, of Evansville; grandchildren, Lauren Embry, Paige Embry, Kaylan and Kate Stedman and Michael James Boedeker; brother, Bill Embry and wife, Diane, of Piney Flats, Tenn.; sister, Joan Wolverton and husband, Dan, of Deltona, Fla.; sister-in-law, Carole Utley of Evansville; several aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.

The family would like to extend their deepest appreciation and gratitude for the exceptional care provided by the staff at St. Mary's Medical Center, particularly the intensive care unit, during his final hours.

Services 10 a.m. Thursday, June 19, 2008, at Alexander East Chapel, officiated by Rev. Gary Puryear, burial in Alexander Memorial Park. Friends may visit Wednesday from 2 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Warrick or Vanderburgh Humane Society or the American Heart Association. Condolences may be made online at www.mem.com. Arrangements by Alexander East Chapel, 2115 Lincoln Avenue.