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BORN
1935
DIED
2025
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Jim Eason Obituary
12/26/1935 - 02/08/2025
Jim Eason, longtime KGO / KSFO S.F. radio talk show host, died peacefully on February 8, 2025 at age 89. Jim leaves behind his wife Barbara, son Adam, daughter Lauren, son James (Jessica), grandsons Rollins and Desmond, brother Sam (Gwen), and many family and friends. Jim is preceded in death by his beloved granddaughter Isabel.
Born in North Carolina, James Jr. studied Ministry at Piedmont Bible College in Winston-Salem, NC. He also attended Edwards Military Academy before enlisting in the US Air Force. Jim served in the USAF Weather Service for 9 years during the Korean War working to help develop sonar radar for meteorology.
In 1962, Jim enrolled at San Francisco State College (now SFSU) in the Radio TV Broadcast Department. At SF State, Jim met his lifetime companion of 60 years, loving and devoted wife, Barbara. Jim's on-air career began in 1963 with an opportunity to host "Records at Random" a radio program on KSFO. He hosted broadcasts for KGO TV, KCBS, KNEW, and KSAN. In 1969, Jim joined KGO Newstalk Radio 81 hosting a weekend program. In 1973, The Jim Eason Show moved to weekday afternoons on 810am radio where Eason's show was broadcast for over 20 years. Jim interviewed authors, entertainers, and a variety of public figures, while also discussing the news. He delighted listeners with his down home manner and humor while discussing controversial issues. Jim encouraged critical thinking, participation and communication from his listeners.
In 1993, Jim returned to his home state of North Carolina, continuing his SF radio program. He was one of the first to regularly broadcast a radio show over high speed telephone lines. In 1996 The Jim Eason show moved to KSFO, KGO's more conservative sister station to help increase their audience. Jim retired in 2000, and in 2003 he returned to Northern California to live in the Sierra Foothills. Jim Eason, a Bay Area Broadcast Legend, was inducted into the Bay Area Radio Broadcast Hall of Fame in 1997.
An avid jazz fan, he used "Take Five" by the Dave Brubeck Quartet as his theme song.
He signed off closing each show with the phrase "Do what you can, but behave yourself".
Service arrangements can be found at Chapel of the Hills, Auburn, CA.
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/auburn-ca/james-eason-12243813
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jim Eason
Sponsored by Chapel of the Hills.
William b kunzig
May 20, 2025
I was just looking up Jim's contact information and saw the sad news. I listened to him for years on KGO. Most memorable for me was his interview with Dusko Popov and his just released auto biography.I remember when Jim said it was time to pack it in and move back home. His favorite movie at the time was Local Hero, with that beautiful sound track Going Home. RIP
Dee
April 4, 2025
I just had a thought about Jim and decided to do a search. I would save all my ironing to do when Jim was on the radio. Many fond memories listening to Jim. RIP
Curt Lundgren
April 4, 2025
As a retired broadcaster I have great respect for the talent Jim displayed on KGO, as illustrated on the recording I made in January, 1977. Please keep Jim's family and fans in your thoughts.
https://archive.org/details/kgo-san-francisco-jim-eason-1.28.77
David Fifer
March 4, 2025
I grew up in Sacramento and very much enjoyed listening to Jim during his early years on KGO. For some reason I got thinking about KGO tonight and found that Jim had recently passed away. Condolences to family and friends from an old fan of Jim's.
Mel and Gail Figoni
February 25, 2025
My wife and I listened to his radio program for many years. Always enjoyed his witty remarks and great sense of humor. Another great radio host gone. R.I.P. Jim
Grace Mauberret
February 23, 2025
To the Eason Family,
My late father was a loyal listener of Mr. Eason's show. He often called in to express his opinions, and greatly respected his intelligence and radio personality traits.
My sincere condolences are with you on his passing. Jim Eason left a unique and lasting impact on his Bay Area viewers, one which is sorely missed.
In deepest sympathy,
Bill Boyd
February 23, 2025
Jim had the best talk show in the Bay Area.
Jeff
February 23, 2025
The Jim Eason Show on KGO was must listen radio on long drives down I-5.
RIP
Patti Sundberg
February 22, 2025
Mr Eason, was my daily pleasure to listen to. Very rarely did I miss a broadcast. He was the best, missed him when he no longer was on the air.
My sympathy to his family.
Craig
February 22, 2025
Not a day went by when I didn´t hear Mr. Eason in my youth. Growing up I don´t recall ever going a day without the little portable radio in our kitchen tuned to the Eason show. Yes there were other radio shows but I think because his program was on when I got home from school it just ment everything was right in my little world.
RIP Mr.Eason
Patricia Paulson
February 22, 2025
My late dad used to listen to him all the time.
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