During his weather report on the afternoon of Thursday, March 25, James Spann, 64, learned that his own home had been struck. Did we use terms that people didn't understand?". It's been a great, great family journey.". Call us at (858) 263-7716. James has earned multiple Emmy awards over the years. James Hale Spann, 77. "Oh man, I almost passed out," he recalls. Carolyn Spann had promised her son that she would get them a bigger place to live, and two years later, after she finished her degree and started teaching English at Tuscaloosa High School, they moved into that house on Fairway Drive. "But I said what I needed to say. "And they gave him my name.". He is also always (24 hours a day/7 days a week) monitoring his social media, trying to monitor people's questions across all social platforms, which seems to be me like a full-time job in itself! "That's what turned me on, the fact that they were paying me to talk about weather. "I've been married for 38 years. Source of the photo: Mike Smith's blog. //abc3340.com . At least five people are dead and multiple casualties have been reported after seven deadly tornadoes tore through the state of Alabama. "They were ham radio operators who saw a fatherless child in a low-income family and helped me with knowledge and equipment. The Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH) named James as the National Weatherperson of the Year in 2019. 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. Ages: 10 years and up. Through the years, their paths would cross again when they both joined 33/40 in 1996. His passion and dedication were apparent as he spoke of his schedule; it was clear that this is what he wants. James loves working with his interns, and says he looks for three key qualities when choosing anyone who works with him. In all, James has been a television weather anchor for 32 years. "If I didn't go to Tuscaloosa, I wouldn't be doing weather," he says. Dec 10, 2017 - Explore Tamara Summers's board "James spann ", followed by 717 people on Pinterest. 01.10.23 // Markets & Investing // Webinar. James Spann's better half, Karen is a glad spouse, and they have two youngsters together. James Spann is the chief meteorologist at ABC 33/40 in Birmingham, Ala. Karen told her husband: "Oh, it's a miracle. The dedicated weather reporter then continued covering the tornado, warning locals of its intended route. So, on a Sunday night, Nov. 11, 1973, Spann made his commercial broadcasting debut. Prosecutors had sought the death penalty, but a technicality in the law led Spann to get life in prison with the possibility of parole. After overcoming adversity as a youth, James channeled his passion for the weather into a long and fruitful career as a professional meteorologist. "A reasonable overall budget for living in this city is about US$1,100 or US$1,200 per month, including rent of US$500.". "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. Those are the people he wants to focus on when giving back after severe weather events. Spann explained: "A tornado produced damage at our home today. ", As she assessed the destruction she remarked: "It's unbelievable! Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. But there are some things you might not know about James Spann. "My mama would dress me up, and she would sit me in a little chair over by the front door. One of my favorite CBE memories was in March 1993, when I had to host his program during a generational blizzard. He also expects and wants you to LOVE weather and what you dowhich makes it easy to work hard. "You never know why things happened at the time, but later in life, things start to make sense," Spann told The Tuscaloosa News after a recent broadcast at 33/40. Dad served APD 32 years before retiring. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable ( MSNBC and CNBC Primetime ). Spann, who studied electrical engineering at UA, paid for his college tuition while working at WTBC, where he stayed for five years and worked his way up to program director before he got an offer to join Tuscaloosa TV station WCFT/Channel 33 in 1978. In 1973, he began his broadcasting career at WTBC radio in Tuscaloosa. They'd talk about ways of keeping black people out of the church. Spann had already built up a reputation, earning an Emmy for coverage of the 2000 tornado that devastated Tuscaloosa and all kinds of annual weather anchor and broadcasting awards. James Spann's YouTube channel! Getentrepreneurial.com: Resources for Small Business Entrepreneurs in 2022. I was blessed because of that experience.". Ginger Zee, Chief Meteorologist for ABC News and one of James' former interns, wrote the forward for the book, while James wrote a science contribution to the end. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. James was thereafter transferred to Tuscaloosa High School, where he received his diploma in 1974. He worries more about the people who don't have the money in place to repair their homes or anywhere to go while their homes are being rebuilt. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your California Privacy Rights (User Agreement updated 1/1/21. He also really loves his job, and said that "If you love weather, it's the greatest job in the world. The next book should come out next spring and will cover tornadoes. All Filters. He actually published a book, "All You Can Do Is Pray" on the ten year anniversary in order to preserve the day, including everything from the insides of working in a weather office to the untold stories of the victims. The dedicated weather reporter then continued covering the tornado, warning locals of its intended route. Emmy Award winner Spann is a married man and has two kids. Children, especially those who have lived through traumatic severe events, typically fear weather. That was probably the worst hour in local TV history. Georgia rallies, survives on missed field goal to beat Ohio State, reach national title game. First - he wants someone who has an impeccable work ethic and will work harder than he does. "The secret about me is despite those shortcomings, I will work harder than anyone else to accomplish those goals.". Manual; Automatic; Semi-automatic; Sales. Select this result to view James H Spann's phone number, address, and more. Abilene Police Department, Texas. "Out of everything in my life on the professional side, that was the most exciting night. T-shirts, posters, stickers, home decor, and more, designed and sold by independent artists around the world. They have also lived in Sanford, FL and Altamonte Springs, FL. 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. A huge tree just missed our house! He is also a Marine Corps veteran and a career executive in the healthcare and life sciences industry. "And I was, you know, 6, 7 years old and thinking this is just warped. Though some might think it's silly for an "older" person to be on these platforms, if he can reach someone there who would never watch them on TV, to let them know that a severe threat is imminent, then it's 100% worth it to him. (Photo from James Spann's "Weathering Life"). If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. "And it was the most marvelous experience because there were black people in there, the mean guys were gone, and one of my best friends from childhood is the mayor, a guy named Dexter McLendon. 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. In a changing media landscape where news organizations constantly fight for peoples attention, Spann admits part of his obsession with work is about self-preservation, but another motivation is about still about trying to prove himself. However, just because the state might not experience a massive outbreak as it did on that day, all it takes is one tornado. To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. He currently works for WBMA-LD (ABC 33/40), Birmingham's AB "While we lost many trees, the home is intact and we will be not have to 'rebuild'(sic).". To him, that will be decided by other people. James Spann visiting Haleyville Elementary in March 2020. CNN's American meteorologist Allison Chinchar has a net worth of $500,000. Alabama is no stranger to severe weather, and I wanted to ask James how the April 2011 outbreak impacted him and his family, as well as the impacts of the recent tornadoes in March. We said this thing would bring six inches and people wouldnt believe it. His wife, Karen, was present in the residence when it got hit - but luckily made it to safety in their in-home shelter. Report: James Krause Revealed as Agent for Offshore Book, Hailed as MMA 'Insider Trading'. In order to combat this, he tries getting "off the grid" every Sunday by going to play tennis. In 1985, the Dallas Press Club named him the best weathercaster in the Metroplex, beating out strong competition like Harold Taft of KXAS-TV and Troy Dungan of WFAA-TV. While on the air, Spann's home was in the path of an E-3 tornado with his wife inside. At least five people are dead and multiple casualties have been reported after seven deadly tornadoes tore through the state of Alabama. "He moved us into a really nice house in Greenville. He said: "What Im doing is texting my wife to be sure shes in the shelter.". Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. 40 people named James Spann found in Nashville, Chattanooga and 3 other cities. Spann asked Saban if he ever gets tired of getting asked . Look out for the needs of others before your own. 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. One of his largest philanthropic commitments is serving as the chairman of a board of large hospital in Birmingham. For 23 years, as the chief meteorologist at ABC 33/40, he's been the guy we turn to when skies darken and clouds threaten. Spann said that through writing a book about his life, he hopes he can encourage other people by reminding them that despite setbacks he had early in his life, he was able to find the life he wanted. 14h. Her family was in attendance again to argue against his release. 1. The future is really bright, James forecasts (pun intended). All orders are custom made and most ship worldwide within 24 hours. James Spann has covered severe weather in Alabama since the 1970s. "I just got so hooked into the weather. For other inquiries, Contact Us. Alabama meteorologist James Spann was broadcasting live when severe weather struck his own home. This book, the first in a series, will address that through adventures with Benny (a bear) and Chipper (a dog). Meteorologist James Spann to talk weather at Springville Road Library on Wednesday, Aug. 10. In the early 90s, he earned his certificate in broadcast meteorology from Mississippi State University through the schools distance learning program. This is Spann's old stomping grounds, where he and his mother moved when he was in junior high school and where he lived until he graduated from the University of Alabama and began his meteoric rise as Alabama's most recognizable and influential TV weatherman. Everything he wasn't very motivated to be, I'm the opposite. Nothing has ever topped that. One is national "Broadcaster of the Year" by the National Weather Association. (Photo from James Spann's "Weathering Life"). 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. Perfect Paperback. He was born on June 6, 1956, in Huntsville, Alabama, United States of America, and is 65 years old. Who is that, you ask? But I will work harder than anybody else to accomplish a goal. James leads Children's Worship every Sunday at Double Oak Community Church in Mount Laurel. But, if Saban ever does decide to retire? He went on to say that it's not just a testament of what he and his team do, but of the people across the state - hearing the message, responding, having a plan in place, and implementing the plan. One of my favorite (Country Boy Eddie) memories was in March 1993, when I had to host his program during a generational blizzard, Spann tweeted. James Max Spann Jr. (born June 6, 1956) is a television meteorologist and podcast host based in Birmingham, Alabama. He was on TV for ten hours on April 8, 1998, during a tornado warning for western Jefferson County. ", Charlie Potter (@Charlie_Potter) October 21, 2022. This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. The couple share two children, James and Ryan. While he was a child, his family relocated to Greenville, Butler County. 223,657 talking about this. We lost a lot of trees. The University of West Alabama conferred an honorary doctor of laws degree to James in 2013. The Tay Ho District (West Lake, an area with an established expat population) is a good place to look for something both comfortable and affordable. The whole world doesn't tune in to the night time newscast anymore, so you have to access and utilize every digital and social platform there isfrom Facebook to Snapchat to Tiktok. He has been a television weather . James Spann wedded to surge instructor, Karen Spann on June 6, 1981. It can be a lot of work for the 63-year-old Spann, who says he sleeps only three hours a night. Refine Your Search Results. I needed to tell him that I've forgiven him. The blizzard of March 1993 came as a surprise to many across Alabama when the snow began falling that Friday afternoon. We also talked about the rise of social media, and the impact it has. After WBRC was purchased by News Corporation in 1996, James departed the station and began dropping its long-standing affiliation with ABC in order to join Fox. "I worked 6 (p.m.) to midnight, and my first song was 'Jessica' by the Allman Brothers. The AMS stated he was the winner in part because of "his tireless efforts to advance the public's awareness of and engagement in the science of meteorology, particularly severe weather forecasting and response". 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 . He does it five days a week, sometimes visiting two schools a day. ESI of ESI Money talks about how to pass wealth to your kids Episode 2165: How to Pass Wealth to Your Kids by ESI ESI Money is written by "ESI", a 50-something retiree. James also was the winner of the AMS (American Meteorological Society) "Award for Broadcast Meteorology". "Obviously our landscaping is going to be a lot different now. The sun is out across Southwest Alabama, where some spots have reached 50 degrees. "When he came to do weather at 33/40, management assured him he could stay on the air during wall-to-wall coverage," Huff said. Mental health is so important, and for a long time, it wasn't discussed much - especially in the field of meteorology. I love a good routine and thrive when I have a structured schedule, but James' productivity puts my best days to shame! (Photo from James Spann's "Weathering Life"). Bill Castle shot this video in 2013. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. He decided to remain at ABC 33/40, informing viewers on the storm. I watch The Weather Channel, so I feel like I'm an expert.". "That had never been done in the market before, and everyone has followed suit ever since.". BIRMINGHAM, Alabama--James Spann, a popular meteorologist for ABC 33/40 in Birmingham, sharing weather . I've been with the department 24 and have a son planning on getting into the academy. "Life doesn't get any better than that.". He later shared an image of the damage sustained in his backyard on air, saying, "Ill shoot straight with you guys, thats my backyard. ", 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.". Additionally, as of 2020, Spann's estimated net worth is $2 million. He said: "What Im doing is texting my wife to be sure shes in the shelter.". Throughout the book, Spann details his early life in Alabama, how he and his mother moved to Tuscaloosa after his father left and how working at Tuscaloosa's WTBC in1973 gave Spann his first experience in broadcasting. If there is one tornado in the whole state, and it hits your house, that day is your April 27. Juliet DragosBio, Age, WZZM, Family, Husband, Net Worth, Salary, Von Miller Bio, Age, NFL, Family, Wife, Net Worth. Also, the host of WeatherBrains, and a genuine weather dweeb/dork/nerd/weenie. James spent his early childhood in Greenville, a small town in southern Alabama, and though this part of his journey will not be shared in today's blog, I think it's something many will resonate with. The presenter had been warning viewers about severe weather conditions in Alabama on WBMA-LD. On this particular summer day, he's back in Tuscaloosa to visit the kids at the Alberta School of Performing Arts, most of whom are too young to remember the April 27, 2011, tornado outbreak that devastated the city. Spann and his mother moved to Tuscaloosa after finishing fourth grade so that his mother could finish her study at the University of Alabama and become a teacher. James, the meteorologist for ABC 33/40, is content with his life. ALABAMA has been ravaged by a series of several deadly tornadoes, toppling trees, destroying homes, and cutting off power supplies across the state. I've done all kinds of stuff. "But let me tell you what, this was awesome. An only child, James Max Spann Jr. was born in Huntsville and his family moved to Athens when he was a toddler. "I needed it, and I thought he needed it. "He really is who you see on TV, but I think there is even more of a depth there that others dont see," Ladun said. To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. How old is James Spann? Friendly. I never did see the 10 o'clock news until I retired." Speaking about his retirement . He believes that getting to kids while they're young his huge, but he can't talk to every child across the worldso he recently commissioned his wife and son (whom he credits with being much more creative than him) to write a children's book, "Benny and Chipper: PreparedNot Scared." Recorded January 9, 2023 at 4 p.m. The American Academy of Pediatrics this month reported data that shows a 1,375 percent increase in children's consumption of "edibles," or food products infused with marijuana, between 2017-2021. James's passion for protecting people is evident - which is why he visits schools every day! Bill Bolen was asleep on a cot. He texted her during live coverage to make sure she was . "It's been a long journey. Burns hosted the Country Boy Eddie Show on WBRC from 1957 to 1993. I am so saddened to hear of the death of Birmingham TV legend Country Boy Eddie. 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