Popular radio personalities, especially on music stations, tend to be gypsies, moving from town to town. Only a few put down roots and become legends, not only for their work on the air but their contributions to the community. James T is one of them.
Here’s an example of what kind of guy James Thomas is. He agreed to do this week’s “5 Questions” but with his Hot 105 show and all the other things on his plate, it slipped his mind. He remembered while he was at the Bonnaroo Music Festival in Tennessee. So he got on the phone, because was determined to honor his commitment.
His credo is “To whom much is given, much is required.” He has been liiving those words his entire career, which began at Palm Beach Junior College in 1969. He has been a DJ, program director, news director, host of a public affairs TV show at WPTV-Ch. 5, concert promoter and even the part owner of a radio station.
All the while, he has been giving back. He has served as a mentor for countless young people eager to get into the business and staged events to fund scholarships for them.
A Vietnam veteran, who lives with his wife and two children in Fort Lauderdale, James organizes toy drives at Christmas, works with the March of Dimes and teaches Sunday school.
He also finds time to help out with fun events such as the Roots Cultural Festival, the Sistrunk Festival and the Sunstreet & Goombay Community Festivals.
Much has been given to James T. but he has given back more.
If I wasn’t in radio, I would like to…
I’d like to be a late night TV talk show host to meet interesting people and inspire others.
A place other than South Florida I might like to live is…
There are so many. Paris, London, New York, Houston, Austin. They have such energy. The energy and the people excite me.
A movie I never get tired of watching is…
“The Godfather” series, because of the life lessons and principles, good and bad. You see how much we have grown and how much we have to grow.
When I get in the car, the first CD I pop in is…
“The Strangest Secret” by Earl Nightingale. Next month, who knows what it will be.
My hero growing up was…
I’m still growing up. When I was much younger my heroes were any of the blacks on TV and radio, because there were very few of them.
