James Wallace "Jim" Reader

JAMES WALLACE "JIM" READER of Charleston, W.Va., passed away September 24, 2025, after a courageous two-year battle with an aggressive form of lymphoma. He was 81.
Pennsylvanian by birth and Ohioan by education, Jim was a West Virginian by choice. Born in Mount Lebanon, Pa., Jim became a resident of Portsmouth, Ohio in 1955. After graduating from Portsmouth High, he was a Reporter at WPAY in Portsmouth. He went on to Ohio University earning a degree in journalism while being the Student News Director, Radio Anchor, TV Reporter, and Nightly Anchor on WOUB educational TV.
Following graduation, Jim was the City-County Beat and Special Projects Reporter for the Athens Messenger in Athens, Ohio, and a Reporter/Anchor at WTVN Radio Columbus, Ohio; at KWGN-TV in Denver, Colo.; and at WINZ Radio Miami, Fla.
As a member of the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War, Jim's primary duty station was in Seoul, South Korea, where he was a Radio Anchor, 6pm TV News Anchor, and Spokesperson/Ambassador for the United Nations countrywide.
During his news career, he was an Anchor/Reporter and Charleston Bureau Chief at WSAZ-TV; News Director/Anchor at WCHS-TV, Charleston; Anchor/Reporter at WEWS-TV5 in Cleveland; and News Director, Anchor/Reporter at WOWK-TV, Charleston. He was inducted into the West Virginia Broadcaster Hall of Fame in 2012.
Following his news career, he spent 22 years as Vice-President of Charles Ryan Associates, and served as President of Ryan Reader Communication, and Vice-President of Gallagher, Goodwin-Gregg Public Relations. He was active as a board member and supporter of the Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association, and a dedicated supporter and participant of the Charleston Public Courts Tennis program.
Jim loved his tennis games and jogs on the Boulevard. He was an avid reader who cared deeply about the welfare of people and animals. He enjoyed travel, experiencing new foods and landscapes, and he made friends in many parts of the world. He was a strong supporter of arts and education, and he always had an entertaining story to tell. He is deeply missed by his tuxedo cat, Bartie, and all who were blessed to experience his gentle, compassionate, and generous presence.
Jim was a true Gentleman. Jim was preceded in death by his father, Robert Reader, and mother, Janet Richardson Reader, of Portsmouth, Ohio, and his wife of 41 years, Kay Michael Reader of Charleston.
He is survived by his older brother, Willard Reader of Portsmouth, Ohio, and his twin brother, Dr. Al Reader (Dixie) of Thornville, Ohio; nephew, Dr. Doug (Christine) Reader of New Albany, Ohio; and niece, Alison (JD) Terry of Millersport, Ohio; and six great nephews.
The family would like to thank Dr. Reidun Oevreboe, a trusted friend who provided emotional and supportive care of Jim, as well as Hubbard Hospice House for their excellent care.
There will be no service.
In lieu of flowers, it is requested that donations be made to either the Kanawha -Charleston Humane Association, 1248 Greenbrier St., Charleston, WV 25311, or the Hubbard Hospice House, 1001 Curtis Price Way, Charleston, WV, 25311.