Jim Williams - Tip Topper

TV Radio Mirror - Oct 1967

He skis (in a manner of speaking), flies high in a rented Cessna-172 (at every opportunity), swims in his backyard pool (weather permitting), and is the tip-toppingest deejay in town - in height (6’5”) and fans’ opinions. “He” is the host and namesake of The Jim Williams Show heard seven days a week over Pittsburgh’s KDKA Radio from 2:00 to 4:00 P.M.

Whatever Jim does, it’s with unbounded enthusiasm and “on the go” spirit. He plays all the hit discs - new and old - on his show, and says, “I kind of furnish the peg on which to hang the records.” His listeners, mostly housewives, relish the informality of genial Jim’s show.

Jim was born in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, and went to the University of Pittsburgh. He had majored in Political Science, but members of his speech class heard a replay of his voice and thought it sounded good. “So,” Jim says, “I began to explore the possibilities.” Presto - success!

He often looks back on the beginning of his broadcasting career and remembers a bit of advice one of his early bosses gave him. His chief told him: “Never struggle for something to say; if you don’t think it’s interesting, don’t say it - play a record.” And Jim has taken it from there!

Jim met his wife Patricia when she was a secretary at KDKA. They have two children and live in Bethel Park, a suburb of Pittsburgh. (Jim also has four other children by a previous marriage.) Their home is a two-story brick, which has three bedrooms and the aforementioned pool. The family spends a lot of time in the pool - and watching Jim fly. Flying is his chief hobby and he’s been taking aerobatic lessons. He can do just about anything with an airplane except turn it inside out. He says, “If I had a completely free day and could duck an assignment by my wife, I would make a cross-country flight.” But with his schedule, free days are hard to come by!

KDKA’s smooth ‘n’ easy Jim Williams hosts annual fundraising ski party and look what he gets for his efforts (above, middle, left). Oh well, it just gives the deejay a chance to prove what his pals say about him, that he’s the most relaxed guy in town! Above, right, with “friendly rival,” DJ Bob Tracey..

---------------------