Pioneering news journalist Jim Vance has passed away, it was announced on Saturday morning, July 22. While the cause of death has yet been confirmed, Vance had been actively fighting cancer since announcing the diagnosis earlier this year.
Jim Vance was one of the most prolific journalists U.S. history. Working the news room at WRC-TV (Channel 4) for more than 45 years made him the longest serving television anchor to ever report in Washington, D.C. His career began as a reporter at the station in 1969, and within three short years (by 1972) he had joined the seminal wave of African-American news anchors across the nation when he was elevated to the main co-anchor position.
With his afro, refusal to wear makeup on air, and courage to take on some of the toughest social subjects, including those revolving around race, Vance grew the allegiance of followers who became even more intimately close with him throughout his public trials with depression and addiction in the 1980's. Despite his struggles, Vance only got stronger as the years went by, with his post-1989 coverage alongside Doreen Gentzler often rivaling major networks CNN, Fox and MSNBC.
Vance was the winner of 19 Emmy Awards and in August of 2007 was immortalized as an inductee of the Black Journalists Hall of Fame. NBC4 president and general manager Jackie Bradford delivered a statement on Vance's passing that noted his unprecedented tenure in the business and his "smooth voice, brilliant mind and unforgettable laugh."
"Jim loved his job, his family and Washington with all his heart, and we will all cherish the legacy he has left us forever," Bradford said. Vance was 75 years old.
