William David James Jr.

William David James, Jr.
October 31, 1939 - March 22, 2025
Dave was born on October 31, 1939, in Braddock, Pennsylvania, to Bill and Mary Ellen James. In 1947, he moved with his parents and younger sister to Macon, Georgia. He graduated from Lanier Senior High School for Boys in 1957 and attended the University of Georgia, majoring in Broadcast Journalism. #GODAWGS!
Dave began his radio broadcasting career in 1956 at WNEX in Macon, later working at WDOL in Athens, Georgia. In 1961, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving four years with the Armed Forces Radio and Television Service. His assignments included editing at the AFRTS headquarters in Los Angeles and working as a morning disc jockey at the Far East Network in Tokyo, where he also taught English. He was honorably discharged in 1965.
Dave was often recognized in public when he spoke because of his distinctive voice and extensive career in media. He worked as a news anchor and staff announcer at WIIC-TV in Pittsburgh, then as a news anchor and reporter at KQV Radio until joining KDKA Radio in 1971. Dave remained with KDKA Radio and TV as a News Anchor/Reporter for nearly 35 years. In later years, he held roles at Pittsburgh Business Radio and Renda Broadcasting stations including WHJB, WSHH, and WJAS.
Dave also had a prolific career in commercial and industrial work during the 1970s, both on and off camera, for clients like Pittsburgh Brewing, Dollar Bank, Thorofare Supermarkets, Parker/Hunter and Iron & Glass Bank. Also, as an off camera narrator for industrial and training films for clients such as UPS, and Snap-on Tool, to name a few. He was a passionate actor, appearing in over thirty stage plays, from Brigadoon to Rumors and The Farnsworth Invention. He also dubbed lead roles in several Asian feature films. Dave was especially proud to have played the last ghoul killed in the 1967 cult classic "Night of the Living Dead".
Dave cherished his friends, especially those at Nob Hill, where he found companionship through socializing. He was beloved by his friends and known for his sharp wit and sense of humor, which never failed to bring laughter to those around him.
The only thing larger than his passion for tennis & beer, was his love for his family. Dave leaves behind his sister Diana (Toney), his children, Dana (Timmy) Wachter, Steven James and Terry (Jil) James, along with his grandsons Josh & Jack Wachter, Ben, Vincent & Julian James and sole granddaughter, Govindanandini James.
Per his request, no service or memorial is planned. However, please raise your beer or glass in honor of Dave-he would have loved to share many more with you.
Arrangements entrusted to the Leo J. Henney Funeral Home, Carnegie. leohenneyfuneralhome.com