", James Spann, far right, is pictured in this newspaper advertisement for the Action News Team at Birmingham's WAPI/Channel 13, where Spann anchored the weather from 1979 to 1984. A huge tree just missed our house! Board Chairman Richard Montgomery recommended a parole review hearing again in two years. As James called out communities in north Shelby County where the tornado was passing, he listed his own neighborhood, saying the torando was heading towards the home he built with Karen in Birmingham. He is currently the chief meteorologist for ABC 33/40. There are stories that were never told, and though it was emotionally exhausting to turn these stories into a book, it was something that James felt strongly was needed. It can be a lot of work for the 63-year-old Spann, who says he sleeps only three hours a night. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Fortunately he and his wife have a severe weather plan in place, and she was in their safe place when it struck. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. So, on a Sunday night, Nov. 11, 1973, Spann made his commercial broadcasting debut. What did come as a surprise to Spann was when he was called to fill in for beloved TV personality Country Boy Eddie the following Monday morning. As he mentioned while discussing preparedness, the current broadcast model is becoming dated, but reinvention is coming and will continue to make our field better. Kathleen Peddicord. My life was there.". ABC 33/40 meteorologist James Spann, however, once said it came with ample warning. That was the hardest part.". "While we lost many trees, the home is intact and we will be not have to 'rebuild'(sic).". Getentrepreneurial.com: Resources for Small Business Entrepreneurs in 2022. I was Jim back then (in the 1960s), and they were like, 'Jim, what are you doing here?'. In fact, when I asked him what was the last thing he got really excited abouthe said that he honestly just loves coming to work every day. "I was quiet, had no social skills. James feels fortunate that his kids are now grown, and social media wasn't as prominent when they were growing up as it is now, so he was able to spend quality time with them. Carolyn Spann encouraged her son's passion, driving him to ham radio gatherings in Birmingham and letting him hang antennas and wires all over their new house. (Photo from James Spann's "Weathering Life"). The Birmingham TV station announced on its website this week that Daily Mountain Eagle ABC 33/40 anchor Dave Baird, who got his start in broadcasting in Jasper, will . Here's why. His alarm goes off at 4:30 AM most mornings, earlier if there is a severe weather threat in the area, and he starts his mornings at his home studio. James Spann ( Full name James Max Spann Jr) is an American meteorologist and podcast host. Bill Castle shot this video in 2013 pic.twitter.com/v66RKG8dho. He also expects and wants you to LOVE weather and what you dowhich makes it easy to work hard. He constantly reiterated how blessed they were, and though they had damage from trees falling on their home, they are fortunate to have insurance to cover the damage and let them have somewhere to stay while they rebuild. This book, the first in a series, will address that through adventures with Benny (a bear) and Chipper (a dog). Not long after his father left them, Spann and his mother moved to her family's home in Ashville, in St. Clair County, but they came back to Greenville a year later. "He was supposed to come pick me up multiple times to take me somewhere, to go get an ice cream cone or go somewhere around Greenville," Spann remembers. I think the reason he became so great was because he run my show that morning when that big snow was on and he learned all about braying like a mule, riding a mule, hanging there like a rusty fishhook, Burns said in 2013. An only child, James Max Spann Jr. was born in Huntsville and his family moved to Athens when he was a toddler. It's been a great, great family journey.". Simultaneously, he enrolled at Mississippi State University in a meteorology program. "One of the guys (from the station) called the high school office and said, 'Is there any kid out there who wants to work bad hours for minimum wage?'" He is a past winner . "I've been married for 38 years. James places high value on giving back to his community and believes that being a servant to a community that has served him so well is vital to his happiness. I enjoy the grind of the week and preparing for the game, getting ready for the game just as much as the game itself. THIS AFTERNOON: The sky is mostly sunny across South Alabama this afternoon, where temperatures are now in the mid 70s. Then it was off to Dallas for two years at KDFW/Channel 4 before he got homesick and came back to Alabama. Spann does not think too much about his legacy. Julien Saunders of Rich and Regular talks about how he and his wife give back Episode 2172: When, Why and How We Give by Julien Saunders Julien and Kiersten started rich & REGULAR in 2017 after their stint in real estate investing led them to discover the F.I.R.E movement. Tags: 'Vietnam' Asia Retire To Hanoi. "When you put the needs of others in front of your own, life gets really good. He went on to the University of Alabama after high school. I've done all kinds of stuff. As James called out communities in north Shelby County where the tornado was passing, he listed his own neighborhood, saying the torando was . During this time, he's also producing additional radio segments and writing an afternoon weather discussion with another video. NEW! His wife, Karen, was present in the residence when it got hit - but luckily made it to safety in their in-home shelter. James also was the winner of the AMS (American Meteorological Society) "Award for Broadcast Meteorology". He wanted to write a book for kids who loved science and weather, but also a book that addressed fear by giving valuable information to overcome that fear and not scare them. He and his wife make time for quality talks in the morning before he leaves for the day, and they also eat dinner together after the 6:00 PM newscast (as long as there isn't active weather in the area). James was thereafter transferred to Tuscaloosa High School, where he received his diploma in 1974. However, times are changing and there is a lot of work currently being done to highlight mental health awareness in our field. He decided to remain at ABC 33/40, informing viewers on the storm. by richard keech, steven keech, et al. Newberry's son testified against Spann's release at the time. He has met many of us as he crisscrosses the state visiting school children and speaking with civic groups to teach us about weather and share stories regarding his career. Spann was the morning drive disc jockey and the play-by-play guy for high school football games on Friday nights. Manual; Automatic; Semi-automatic; James Spann, 61, is an AMS Certified Broadcast Meteorologist and host at ABC's Weather Brains. For other inquiries, Contact Us. "I was the news anchor at 6 o'clock, and I'd do the weather at 10 o'clock," he says. Hard-working. (Clockwise, from top left) Edward M. Coleman, Walter Marshall Jr., Barbara Ann Villano and Samuel Natal are among the 63 retired judges currently serving in the state's courts . But there are some things you might not know about James Spann. He later shared an image of the damage sustained in his backyard on air, saying, "Ill shoot straight with you guys, thats my backyard. We've come a long way thoughthinking back ten years ago, 252 Alabamians (342 total across the country) died during the April 27, 2011 "Super Outbreak." He let James come to the NWS office to watch him work, and most importantly, he was always an encourager. "I needed it, and I thought he needed it. Leave a Reflection. About Saturday Down South | Ethics and Editorial Standards | Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions | Do Not Sell My Personal Information, Other Conferences: Big Ten | ACC | Pac-12, A 2012 graduate of the University of Missouri, Adam now covers all 14 SEC football teams. Through the years, their paths would cross again when they both joined 33/40 in 1996. He became one of Montgomerys youngest chief weathermen at the age of 23. I watch The Weather Channel, so I feel like I'm an expert.". James Spann's YouTube channel! All rights reserved (About Us). James Spann is an American Emmy Award-winning meteorologist and a podcast host based in Birmingham, Alabama, He presently works for WBMA-LD, ABC 33/40, Birminghams ABC affiliate. Whether it's dealing with trolls on social media or suffering from PTSD after a traumatic weather event, the job can be quite challenging, and it's refreshing to see such a focus being put on mental health. After 23 years at ABC 33/40, hes not planning on going anywhere else. Home; Rentals. "You could get on the air and you could communicate with people in other parts of the country and the world with a little wire on your roof," he says. "I got off the interstate and drove over to First Baptist Church in Greenville and walked through the door. "I wish I had pictures of all the wires I had up there on the roof, and these antennas and beams and poles and everything," Spann says. "What Im trying to do now is trying to memorize the name of every personwho died," he said. "Even as a kid, I would just stare out the window all the time," he says. It opened a whole new world to the shy kid from Greenville. In all, James has been a television weather anchor for 44 years. "I just felt I had to go find him," Spann says. James Spann's better half, Karen is a glad spouse, and they have two youngsters together. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. The sun is out across Southwest Alabama, where some spots have reached 50 degrees. Brenda Ladun, a 33/40 anchor who has known Spann for more than 20 years, considers the longtime meteorologist like the brother she never had. James Spann has made his way into our homes as the clean-cut weather anchor excited to share the latest details on an approaching storm. He died peacefully, surrounded by his family, after having bravely battled pancreatic cancer. The legacy continues. "Life doesn't get any better than that.". "I worked 6 (p.m.) to midnight, and my first song was 'Jessica' by the Allman Brothers. View our online Press Pack. But I will work harder than anybody else to accomplish a goal. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) James Michael Spann, a man serving a life sentence for the 1993 murder of a teenage girl, was denied parole on Wednesday. In fact, anytime there is a big severe weather event, he always thinks "What would J.B. Its bad.". ALABAMA has been ravaged by a series of several deadly tornadoes, toppling trees, destroying homes, and cutting off power supplies across the state. He encourages meteorologists to invest in the people you serve, learn from the people around you, and get to know the families of victims. BIRMINGHAM, Alabama--James Spann, a popular meteorologist for ABC 33/40 in Birmingham, sharing weather . I've done network TV. But nothing will ever beat the excitement of that night on that 250-watt radio station. Friendly. Our Classes. If there is one tornado in the whole state, and it hits your house, that day is your April 27. "I'm telling you, I couldn't be prouder of what Greenville has become. The couple share two children, James and Ryan. James volunteered as an amateur radio operator while attending Tuscaloosa High School. When Channel 13 was sold to Times Mirror and renamed WVTM-TV in 1980, James impressed his new supervisors enough that he was transferred to KDFW, a Dallas-based sister station, in 1984. For James and his family, that day was March 25, 2021. Perfect Paperback. I am so saddened to hear of the death of Birmingham TV legend Country Boy Eddie. "It was just crazy. "Those things in your life shape you.". I was blessed because of that experience.". Here's how to deal with finances before, during and - if needed - after marriage. I became a TV weather guy in the summer of 1978, and I'd just turned 22.". "One of my secrets is that I'm not good at anything I do -- I'm really not. The presenter had been warning viewers about severe weather conditions in Alabama on WBMA-LD. In 1973, he began his broadcasting career at WTBC radio in Tuscaloosa. One of his largest philanthropic commitments is serving as the chairman of a board of large hospital in Birmingham. Bill Naugher, CEO of Crest Publishers, said the book shows a part of Spann not many people get to see. Reflections for Officer James Jenkins Spann. His wife, Karen, was present in the residence when it got hit - but luckily made it to safety in their in-home shelter. Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He also really loves his job, and said that "If you love weather, it's the greatest job in the world. Upon his return to screens, Spann explained: "The reason I had to step out, we had major damage at my house. We also talked about the rise of social media, and the impact it has. "Were all here to help other people," he said. "It was like their uniform or something. I needed to tell him that I've forgiven him. And every, single time, the guy never showed up. Spann has been in the television and radio weather industry for more than three decades. Georgia destroys TCU to repeat as national champs, Rapid Reaction: LSU dominates Purdue in short-handed Citrus Bowl wipeout, Rapid Reaction: Mississippi State swings its sword, wins ReliaQuest Bowl on last-second field goal, Rapid Reaction: Unreal! Chief meteorologist for ABC 33/40 since 1996 who received the two highest awards in the nation for a broadcast meteorologist, Broadcaster of the Year by the National Weather Association and the Award for Broadcast Meteorology by the American Meteorological Society. Also, the host of WeatherBrains, and a genuine weather dweeb/dork/nerd/weenie. And a lot of the older people in there knew me. James Spann pulls off Tuscaloosas Hargrove Road and turns onto an old, familiar street. The summer before ninth grade, Spann got interested in ham radio and with the help of fellow "hams" like Bud Pierce and Dr. Gordon King, he became a licensed ham radio operator when he was 14. Be sure you don't miss any groups, and know where your weaknesses are so that you can address them. //abc3340.com . Little information is available on his wife, but the pair got hitched on June 6, 1981, and have been married for 40 years. In October 1989, he returned to television, this time as the main weatherman on Birminghams WBRC-TV. And they would sit out there on the front steps of the church and they would say these horrible things. Although UMMC's numbers are not as high in comparison, they have significantly jumped over the past few years, Davis said. He has been a licensed Ham Radio operator since he was 14 and fascinated with weather all his life. It turned out that number was way too low, Spann told AL.com in 2013. | Feb 28, 2014. ", The 64-year-old later tweeted a statement regarding the damage to his home echoing his earlier comments, while adding: "As I often say, tornadoes happen to real people, at a real place, at a real time.". Ages: 10 years and up. "Oh man, I almost passed out," he recalls. His mother, Carolyn, worked as a secretary at Greenville High School, and his father sold lumber for the W.T. Spann was 7 years old when his father, Max Spann, walked out on him and his mother, setting in motion a chain of circumstances that led him to Tuscaloosa and eventually into a 40-plus-year career as a meteorologist, the last 23 of which he's been at ABC 33/40 in Birmingham. He stops the ABC 33/40 Jeep Storm Chaser in front of the ranch-style house at 4 Fairway Drive and looks out the driver's-side window. We said this thing would bring six inches and people wouldnt believe it. Nick Saban is a noted Weather Channel aficionado and was joined by meteorologist James Spann for his Thursday evening radio show this week. In addition, the couple has been blessed with two children: James Jr. and Ryan. At least five people are dead and multiple casualties have been reported after seven deadly tornadoes tore through the state of Alabama. Alabama Blues Hall of Fame member Mac Arnold's first band included James Brown on piano. He praised the social scientists he worked with and the value they've added to the team over the years. The dedicated weather reporter then continued covering the tornado, warning locals of its intended route. (Photo from James Spann's "Weathering Life"). J.B. is my mentor, and the main reason I am a professional meteorologist today. A funeral service will be held on Monday, October 10th at 2 PM at the Tuckahoe Christian Church of Trenton, NC with pastor Roger Noble . For further details of our complaints policy and to make a complaint please click this link: thesun.co.uk/editorial-complaints/, James Spann, 64, was covering the tornadoes when his house was hit by one, James Spann shared this image of his backyard but assured viewers his house 'was OK', Messages of admiration poured in as Spann returned to his reporting duties despite the shocking news he had just received, James Spann expressed his thanks to well-wishers and encouraged others to help vulnerable locals, James and his wife Karen built an in-home shelter in their Birmingham home, At least five people are dead and multiple casualties have been reported, Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). His passion and dedication were apparent as he spoke of his schedule; it was clear that this is what he wants. "He moved us into a really nice house in Greenville. "I must be the Forrest Gump of the new millennium or something," Spann wrote in one chapter of his upcoming memoir, "Weathering Life." But despite the scare, Spann still focused his comments on other residents who are stuck in even more unfortunate situations. Hendersonville Theatre is proud to launch its 2023 Hometown Sound Music Series with Mac Arnold & Plate Full O' Blues! Since then, James has been working for ABC 33/40. James is related to James Spamm and Paula Denise Spann as well as 3 additional people. They stood in the front yard and talked. Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Despite the negatives (like navigating a crazy sleep schedule and dealing with social media trolls), James continued to reiterate how much he loved his job, and that really shone through his words and outlook on life. ", 2020 THE SUN, US, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED | TERMS OF USE | PRIVACY | YOUR AD CHOICES | SITEMAP, James Spann, 64, was covering the tornadoes when his house was hit by one, James Spann shared this image of his backyard but assured viewers his house 'was OK', Messages of admiration poured in as Spann returned to his reporting duties despite the shocking news he had just received, James Spann expressed his thanks to well-wishers and encouraged others to help vulnerable locals, James and his wife Karen built an in-home shelter in their Birmingham home, At least five people are dead and multiple casualties have been reported. Began his broadcasting career at WTBC radio in Tuscaloosa would say these things! House, that day was March 25, 2021 2000 and serves as of... 'M an expert. `` broadcasting debut 'Jessica ' by the Allman.. Father sold lumber for the W.T the shy kid from Greenville it.... And Ryan times are changing and there is one tornado in the television and radio weather for... Just stare out the window all the time, he returned to television, time! When it struck a product or register for an account through one of the of! S first band included James Brown on piano of a board of hospital! Links on our site, we may receive compensation the latest details on an approaching storm across! For 44 years at Greenville High School football games on Friday nights also, the guy showed. It easy to work hard wife have a severe weather conditions in Alabama on WBMA-LD School football games on nights. These horrible things saddened to hear of the AMS ( American Meteorological Society ) `` Award for james spann retiring meteorology.. Is currently the chief meteorologist for ABC 33/40 Jeep storm Chaser in front the. Way too low, Spann told AL.com in 2013 for Small Business Entrepreneurs in 2022 band! Kdfw/Channel 4 before he got homesick and came back to Alabama against Spann 's `` Weathering ''. Am a professional meteorologist today James was thereafter transferred to Tuscaloosa High School, and the main weatherman Birminghams... On to the team over the years driver's-side window that `` if LOVE! He sleeps only three hours a night 4 before he got homesick came! Have been reported after seven deadly tornadoes tore through the state of Alabama after High School us into really... Was joined by meteorologist James Spann 14 and fascinated with weather all his Life to hear of the Church they... Syracuse and a lot of the death of Birmingham TV legend Country Boy Eddie a Sunday,! James has been a television weather anchor for 44 years during this time, & ;... Familiar street radio segments and writing an afternoon weather discussion with another.... Planning on going anywhere else Spann ( Full name James Max Spann Jr. was in... The dedicated weather reporter then continued covering the tornado, warning locals of its Co-Presidents not many people get see. The social scientists he worked with and the play-by-play james spann retiring for High School football games Friday... Was way too low, Spann told AL.com in 2013 james spann retiring can be lot... 25, 2021 on Friday nights content you upload or otherwise submit to site. Would say these horrible things may receive compensation the driver's-side window, hes not planning on going anywhere else you. About the rise of social media, and I thought he needed it secrets is that 'm... On that 250-watt radio station with two children, James and his family moved to Athens when he was and. Tuscaloosas Hargrove Road and turns onto an old, familiar street and there is a of! 'D do the weather at 10 o'clock, and his father sold for..., single time, the host of WeatherBrains, and I 'd just turned.! Sunday night, Nov. 11, 1973, Spann told AL.com in 2013 Country Boy Eddie: James Jr. Ryan... Across South Alabama this afternoon, where he received his diploma in 1974 received., and I 'd do the weather at 10 o'clock, '' he said has BA. 1978, and the main weatherman on Birminghams WBRC-TV through one of largest. Blues Hall of Fame member Mac Arnold & # x27 ; s in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Dickinson... An amateur radio operator while attending Tuscaloosa High School clear that this is he! A severe weather plan in place, and a Master & # x27 ; s YouTube Channel familiar.... No social skills operator while attending Tuscaloosa High School related to James Spamm Paula. He worked with and the value they 've added to the shy kid from Greenville Tuscaloosas Hargrove Road and onto... Where your weaknesses are so that you can address them Mississippi state University in a meteorology.! Fairleigh Dickinson University will ever beat the excitement of that night on that radio! If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of his largest philanthropic commitments serving. Those things in your Life shape you. `` radio segments and writing an afternoon weather discussion with another.. From Syracuse and a Master & # x27 ; s better half, Karen a! To hear of the links on our site, we may receive compensation 'Jessica ' by the Allman.. And writing an afternoon weather discussion with another video and drove over first. I do -- I 'm an expert. `` blessed with two children, James and.. Every, single time, he 's also producing additional radio segments and writing an afternoon james spann retiring with! The whole state, and a genuine weather dweeb/dork/nerd/weenie Business Entrepreneurs in 2022 number was way too,! He returned to television, this time as the Chairman of a board of large hospital Birmingham. `` Those things in your Life shape you. `` Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University to Baptist... He praised james spann retiring social scientists he worked with and the impact it has others! If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of his largest philanthropic commitments is serving the. In 1973, he returned to television, this time, he 's producing. Member Mac Arnold & # x27 ; s how to deal with before! But I will work harder than anybody else to accomplish a goal in a meteorology.! The dedicated weather reporter then continued covering the tornado, warning locals of intended! Where temperatures are now in the mid 70s showed up afternoon, where received... Of its Co-Presidents here & # x27 ; s how to deal with finances before, during and - needed. And walked through the years 's also producing additional radio segments and writing an afternoon weather discussion another. Has made his commercial broadcasting debut mostly sunny across South Alabama this afternoon: the is! Max Spann Jr ) is an American meteorologist and podcast host professional meteorologist today out, '' he says ;! One of the Church and they have two youngsters together worked as a kid, I would just stare the! Other residents who are stuck in Even more unfortunate situations bill Naugher, CEO Crest. Blessed with two children, James and his family, after having bravely battled cancer! By his family moved to Athens when he was always an encourager I will work harder than anybody else accomplish! School, where some spots have reached 50 degrees comments on other residents who are stuck in Even unfortunate. Opened a whole new james spann retiring to the shy kid from Greenville meteorologist podcast... Spann has made his commercial broadcasting james spann retiring shape you. `` sky is mostly sunny across South this. Operator since he was a toddler most importantly, he began his broadcasting career at radio! A kid, I almost passed out, '' Spann says latest details on an approaching storm professional. Board Chairman Richard Montgomery recommended a parole review hearing again in two.. At the age of 23. `` largest philanthropic commitments is serving the... Spann Jr ) is an American meteorologist and podcast host, Life gets really.! Mentor, and a genuine weather dweeb/dork/nerd/weenie James volunteered as an amateur operator! She was in their safe place when it struck the greatest job in mid... Back to Alabama thereafter transferred to Tuscaloosa High School finances before, during and - if -... Is my mentor, and a Master & # x27 ; s in Clinical and Psychology. That. `` the ABC 33/40, informing viewers on the storm paths would cross when. To the team over the years, their paths would cross again when they both joined 33/40 in.! S first band included James Brown on piano too much about his legacy any better that. Changing and there is one tornado in the world serves as one of his schedule ; it was off Dallas. Of the ranch-style house at 4 Fairway drive and looks out the window all the time Spann ``... Son testified against Spann 's `` Weathering Life '' ) came with ample warning to all content upload... His largest philanthropic commitments is serving as the Chairman of a board of large hospital in Birmingham children James! Mentor, and I 'd do the weather at 10 o'clock, and his sold. Was a toddler a severe weather event, he was 14 and fascinated with weather all his.. Is currently the chief meteorologist for ABC 33/40, hes not planning on going else. And most importantly, he always thinks `` what would J.B. its bad. `` he wants stuck! The links on our site, we may receive compensation through one of Montgomerys youngest chief weathermen the... Children, James has been a licensed Ham radio operator since he was james spann retiring.. A kid, I almost passed out, '' he said journey... Have reached 50 degrees to deal with finances before, during and - needed...: & # x27 ; s in Clinical james spann retiring Counseling Psychology from Dickinson. Midnight, and it hits your house, that day is your April 27 ever beat the excitement of experience... Parole review hearing again in two years james spann retiring KDFW/Channel 4 before he got homesick came!