June 29, 1963 – March 8, 2023
James “Jim” F. Chitwood Jr., 59, of Carrollton, died Wednesday, March 8, 2023, of liver failure, at University Hospital in Columbia.
Born June 29, 1963, in Marshall, Jim was the son of the late James Freddie Chitwood Sr. and Hazel Marie (Pummill) Chitwood. Jim was a 1981 graduate of Sweet Springs High School and a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church of Carrollton.
From a young age, Jim would imitate radio and television broadcast announcers on video and audio cassette tapes. His biggest dream was to one day hear himself on radio airwaves. He listened to KMZU (100.7 FM) on his parents and grandparents’ radio dial but never, even for a second, believed he’d ever get to work for the station.
Following in his father’s footsteps, Jim attended barber school and worked alongside his dad at his barbershop, in Marshall.
In May of 1988, Mike Carter, who founded KMZU and other radio stations, made the 25-year-old’s wish come true and hired Jim. Although he was scheduled to work overnights and weekends, Jim was often at the station during his off hours to soak up more knowledge. He idolized the station owner and would often spend time in his office, asking numerous questions, until his hunger for radio knowledge had been satisfied for the day.
During Jim’s 36 years employed by the company, he performed various jobs. He was Production Director for eight years, was an On-Air Announcer, a friendly face that spent countless hours traveling all over the state for live broadcast remotes (during which, he provided tons of laughs to his audiences), became a pro at extreme weather coverage and settled into the position of Music Director, which he held for several years. As a long-standing part of the Carter Media family, Jim became, in his own words, “Legendary Broadcaster, Jim Woods.”
Jim’s love of the industry motivated his continuous learning of radio and music history. He would regale coworkers with stories for hours, inspiring others to love radio broadcasting. Jim was an expert on pop culture and, especially, Elvis Presley. Jim had a great memory for details, had a terrific vocabulary, was articulate and had an actor’s command of his voice.
Not only did Jim love to share his knowledge, but was an avid archivist. Loving all things dealing in advertising, he collected and preserved visual and audio advertising meticulously and couldn’t get enough of any of it.
Although radio was Jim’s first love, his second was animals. Over his lifetime he rescued several dogs and adored every living, breathing creature, always taking time to give them plenty of hugs and kisses from “Uncle Jimmy.”
Survivors include one brother, Bill Chitwood (Kim) of Sweet Springs, Mo.; one stepbrother, David Kimzey (Christine) of Blue Springs, Mo.; one stepsister, Becky Brozovich of Independence, Mo.; special friends, Stephanie and Charlie Shannon of Carrollton, Mo.; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents; stepmother, Barbara Chitwood; and stepsister, Julie Foose.
A Celebration of Life will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 26, 2023, at KMZU Radio Station, 102 North Mason in Carrollton. Friends may sign the online register book at www.campbell-lewis.com. A private family burial will take place in Houstonia Cemetery (date pending).
Jim will be missed by his family, friends, his Carter Media Family and countless fans across Missouri.
