Longtime WJPA News Director Jim Jefferson died Friday morning following a brief battle with cancer. He was 68 years old. For more than 35 years, Jim was the steady voice bridging our listeners and community leaders, elected officials and the news of the day. A Point Park College graduate, Jefferson joined the staff at WJPA in the early ’70s, retiring 3 1/2 years ago with his wife, Debbie, to their farm in Scenery Hill.
Jefferson was remembered today by many he covered over the years–mayors, commissioners, judges, chiefs of police, co-workers and friends:
Former Washington Mayor Sonny Spossey– “Like many, I awakened to Jim delivering the news. He was a straight shooter.”
Washington County Commission Chair Diana Irey Vaughan– “Jim was the best in the what the media had to offer.”
Commissioner Larry Maggi– “Jim was the consummate professional from the start. You trusted him.”
Retired President Judge Debbie O’Dell Seneca– “Jim was a straight arrow, the epitome of a newsman. He delivered the news fairly and never editorialized.”
Retired South Strabane Police Chief Don Zofchak– “It’s a fine line for law enforcement and the media. And we always had a great relationship in that way. It’s a great loss.”
Longtime Meadows track announcer Roger Huston– “He had that uncanny ability to make you feel comfortable when he interviewed you, like he’d known you his whole life.”
Washington Wild Things Vice President Chris Blaine– “I never saw Jim upset or in a bad mood. He was personable, pleasant, easy to work with in every situation.”
Funeral services will be private. (Photo: courtesy of Observer-Reporter)