"I just got so hooked into the weather. He also really loves his job, and said that "If you love weather, it's the greatest job in the world. "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. I played the long version to give me a chance to settle down because I was so nervous. In addition to the 2011 tornadoes and the blizzard of 1993, one storm the book covers is the 1974 "Super Outbreak," the second-largest tornado outbreak on record for a single 24-hour period from April 3-4, 1974, that killed 315 people across 13 states. James, the Chief Meteorologist for ABC 33/40 in Birmingham, Alabama, has a gentle, easy-going way of talking, while also having the ability to get right to the point - a skill that no doubt has come in handy (and been sharpened by) through years of television and radio broadcasts. James has received the two highest awards in the nation for a broadcast meteorologist. Well, he joked that hed apply to be Spanns assistant at the Weather Channel: Saban to Spann: "I certainly would never wanna ride the program down if I didn't feel like I was doing a good job. I was Jim back then (in the 1960s), and they were like, 'Jim, what are you doing here?'. "Obviously our landscaping is going to be a lot different now. To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. We said this thing would bring six inches and people wouldnt believe it. 14h. In all, James has been a television weather anchor for 32 years. That day was a "generational event" as he called it, and noted that there are not many days like that in your career. "Ill tell you this: From the time I met him, I knew he had it, whatever it is," Baird said. Pam Huff (April 17) is an American News Anchor and Reporter who currently works for News at 4 and News at 5 on ABC 33/40. Every time there is a severe weather threat in Alabama, people ask James' least favorite question- "Will it be like April 27, 2011?" OU alumnus James Spann is founder and managing partner of Norman-based Boyd Street Ventures. James Spann reflects on April 27, 2011, tornado outbreak, As Alabama's most recognizable TV weatherman, James Spann takes it personally. He and his family moved to Greenville, Butler County, when he was a child, according to his biography. "But whenever he was there, I felt loved and accepted and I felt secure. J.B. is my mentor, and the main reason I am a professional meteorologist today. Simultaneously, he enrolled at Mississippi State University in a meteorology program. Copyright 2022 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. I've been with the department 24 and have a son planning on getting into the academy. "I mean, in Vacation Bible School, we would make ashtrays for these guys, so they can smoke outside the church. The lovely pair has two amazing sons; J.P Spann and Ryan Christopher Spann and even grandson, Kason Paul. 2023 www.tuscaloosanews.com. She reports on State Politics, local governments, and public education in Alabama. Spann was the morning drive disc jockey and the play-by-play guy for high school football games on Friday nights. Spann explained: "A tornado produced damage at our home today. "But let me tell you what, this was awesome. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. And weather phenomenons do not discriminate - seen during meteorologist James Spann's coverage of the deadly conditions. UFC Fight . ", Meteorologist James Spann looks out his car window at the house in Tuscaloosa, Ala., where he and his mother lived from his middle school years until he finished college at the University of Alabama. Abilene Police Department, Texas. This is a portrait of James Spann's father, James Max Spann Sr., as a young man. Secondly, integrity doing the right thing when no one is looking - is key. Juliet DragosBio, Age, WZZM, Family, Husband, Net Worth, Salary, Von Miller Bio, Age, NFL, Family, Wife, Net Worth. After 23 years at ABC 33/40, hes not planning on going anywhere else. ", BBC1's live FA Cup coverage hit by porn noises from mobile hidden by prankster, Three major energy suppliers paying you to turn off appliances tonight, Major bar chain to close on Mondays and Tuesdays due to rocketing energy bills, Gran's tribute to girl, 4, & mum killed after being hit by racing Audi', News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. Newberry's son testified against Spann's release at the time. Refine Your Search Results. The dedicated weather reporter then continued covering the tornado, warning locals of its intended route. That was probably the worst hour in local TV history. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. James's passion for protecting people is evident - which is why he visits schools every day! Home; Rentals. ALABAMA has been ravaged by a series of several deadly tornadoes, toppling trees, destroying homes, and cutting off power supplies across the state. 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. James Max Spann Jr., the little boy from Greenville who grew up to become a man in Tuscaloosa, has weathered life. 8,223. Hendersonville Theatre is proud to launch its 2023 Hometown Sound Music Series with Mac Arnold & Plate Full O' Blues! To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. "She was a secretary at Greenville High School. James is a published author in addition to his journalistic work. Karen told her husband: "Oh, it's a miracle. Pam Huff, who first began working alongside Spann at WVTM in 1980 and later at 33/40 where they have worked together ever since, credits Spann with reinventing the way weather was covered in Alabama. It turned out that number was way too low, Spann told AL.com in 2013. Dec 10, 2017 - Explore Tamara Summers's board "James spann ", followed by 717 people on Pinterest. James Spann, 61, is an AMS Certified Broadcast Meteorologist and host at ABC's Weather Brains. And yet, the man who says he has never written a work resume or filled out a job application has a modesty that often belies his work and reputation across Alabama. Karen told her husband: "Oh, it's a miracle. 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 loves working with his interns, and says he looks for three key qualities when choosing anyone who works with him. Click a location below to find James more easily. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. "They were ham radio operators who saw a fatherless child in a low-income family and helped me with knowledge and equipment. James Spanns book, Weathering Life, is available in paperback for $19.95 and as an e-book for $17.95 at jamesspannbook.com. WTBC was also known as the "15th Street School of Broadcasting" because owner Bert Bank hired so many University of Alabama broadcasting students to work there. Alabama Blues Hall of Fame member Mac Arnold's first band included James Brown on piano. During the 1973 Brent tornado and the 1974 Superoutbreak, he assisted in the transmission of information. Burns gave Spann four rings of the cowbell for his success as a meteorologist, the highest honor on his long-running show. AMS certified media meteorologist, host of the WeatherBrains podcast, and general weather dweeb/dork/weenie/geek. We note a few isolated showers near the Gulf Coast, but the weather is dry elsewhere. 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. In addition, he celebrates his birthday on the 6th of January every year, and his zodiac sign is Gemini. James is the Chairman of the Board of Grandview Medical Center, and is a member of the University of Alabama College of Communication and Information Sciences Board of Visitors. Kathleen Peddicord. - Courtesy North West Alabamian. "Obviously our landscaping is going to be a lot different now. According to the NWA, James was selected to receive the award "For his passionate dedication to serving the Central Alabama community with critical weather information for over thirty years, especially during the deadly April 27, 2011 tornado outbreak.". "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. It's imperative for meteorologists to understand that you are working with different types of people, different backgrounds, different socioeconomic groups and develop a way to reach all of them. However, just because the state might not experience a massive outbreak as it did on that day, all it takes is one tornado. "I think people would be amazed with how much he packs into a day," said Dave Baird, former 33/40 anchor who retired in 2017. 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. BIRMINGHAM, Alabama--James Spann, a popular meteorologist for ABC 33/40 in Birmingham, sharing weather . do?" "That's very motivating for me.". "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.". They have also lived in Sanford, FL and Altamonte Springs, FL. 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. 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. There is so much damage everywhere. "I don't think he ever knew it was me," he says. And his final criteria is having a servants heart and looking after others more than yourself. James Spann was born in Alabama on June 6, 1956. The sun is out across Southwest Alabama, where some spots have reached 50 degrees. James Spann visiting Haleyville Elementary in March 2020. He joined ABC 33/40 one month after the station signed on the air in the fall of 1996. James also was the winner of the AMS (American Meteorological Society) "Award for Broadcast Meteorology". Chief Investment Officer Larry Adam shares the Investment Strategy committee's Ten Themes for 2023. James Spann pulls off Tuscaloosas Hargrove Road and turns onto an old, familiar street. But, if Saban ever does decide to retire? Spann has been in the television and radio weather industry for more than three decades. We raised two boys. James Spann | January 11, 2023 @ 2:56 pm. ", 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.". 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. Latest severe weather updates from ABC 3340 Chief Meteorologist James Spann and The Weather Authority:1:46 a.m.The risk of severe weather has ended for Jefferson County.1:39 a.m.Heavier storms are . Dad served APD 32 years before retiring. 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. 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. "And they gave him my name.". ", James Spann visiting Haleyville Elementary in March 2020. We support responsible gambling. In addition, James was asked to join WAPI (NBC 13) in Birmingham as the principal weather anchor. After Spann finished the fourth grade, though, they moved again, this time to Tuscaloosa so his mother could complete her education degree at the University of Alabama and become a schoolteacher. Ages: 10 years and up. The couple share two children, James and Ryan. They knew I couldn't afford a ham radio, but they would give me their old equipment to use.". "You could always tell he was going to have a huge career.". The blizzard of March 1993 came as a surprise to many across Alabama when the snow began falling that Friday afternoon. Following a five-year stint on Channel 13, Spann moved to KDFW-4 in Dallas, Texas. ABC 33/40 meteorologist James Spann, however, once said it came with ample warning. Also, the host of WeatherBrains, and a genuine weather dweeb/dork/nerd/weenie. I picked up the phone and as soon as I heard his voice I knew who it was. James began working for WSFA in Montgomery in late 1978 as a weekend sports anchor and part-time weatherman. "I was quiet, had no social skills. That is when they began taking an interdisciplinary approach to weather, and the results have paid off immensely. Tonight will be clear and cold with a low in the 20s in most spots. 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." Daily Mountain Eagle ABC 33/40 anchor Dave Baird, who got his start in broadcasting in Jasper, will retire in September after two decades as one of the station's anchors. 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. He is currently the chief meteorologist for ABC 33/40. Pre-COVID, he visited 1-2 schools a day, and though he can't be there in-person right now, he's continuing to connect with the community virtually. Smith Lumber Company in nearby Chapman. The couple share two children, James and Ryan. (Photo from James Spann's "Weathering Life"). However, "Weathering Life" places just as much emphasis on some of the worst weather that has passed through Alabama over the years. However, there are some things he hopes are carried through his work, like trying to get more young people involved in science and meteorology or doing what he can to make sure people stay safe during bad weather. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. He also is a firm believer in reaching everyone in every demographic, and these days that means not relying on solely television broadcasts to get the forecast out. 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. "That's what turned me on, the fact that they were paying me to talk about weather. It is a blessing. Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. 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 was born on June 6, 1956, in Huntsville, Alabama, United States of America, and is 65 years old. 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. 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. My friends were there. "While we lost many trees, the home is intact and we will be not have to 'rebuild'(sic).". "Did we not say the right thing?" Spann also discovered he had a half-brother, who was about 10 years younger than him, that he had never previously known. I woke him up to get him to help me out., Burns, in a 2013 video, recalled asking Spann to start his early morning show with his signature mule call.. The obituary was featured in . Advertisement. (Bob Carlton/bcarlton@al.com). As James called out communities in north Shelby County where the tornado was passing, he listed his own neighborhood, saying the torando was . The couple share two children, James and Ryan. Hard-working. He then makes his way to the studio, where he works from around 1:30 PM to 11:30 PM, as he's on the evening newscasts at 4, 5, 6, and 10 PM. "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. The Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH) named James as the National Weatherperson of the Year in 2019. Meteorologist James Spann to talk weather at Springville Road Library on Wednesday, Aug. 10. "The secret about me is despite those shortcomings, I will work harder than anyone else to accomplish those goals.". During his weather report on the afternoon of Thursday, March 25, James Spann, 64, learned that his own home had been struck. He has worked in journalism since 1978 and is most recognized for his work on WBMA-LD. 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. . And they (Channel 33) said theyd pay me to talk about weather? Indoor & Outdoor SMD Screens, LED Displays, Digital Signage & Video Wall Solutions in Pakistan Reflections for Officer James Jenkins Spann. Her family was in attendance again to argue against his release. He usually wraps up these activities around 8:00 AM, and then heads off to talk to a school. . ", 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. 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! He was on the air for 37 years. His wife took shelter in their home as a tornado bore down on March 25. The University of West Alabama conferred an honorary doctor of laws degree to James in 2013. The future is really bright, James forecasts (pun intended). "When you put the needs of others in front of your own, life gets really good. All rights reserved. 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. James has been working in the journalism field since 1978. "He just has a unique experience that most people don't know about," Naugher said. CNN's American meteorologist Allison Chinchar has a net worth of $500,000. "That had never been done in the market before, and everyone has followed suit ever since.". At that point, they'd listened to their friends complain about doing everything right, and still not really "feeling . "My wife is OK, but the tornado came right through there and its not good, its bad. The legendary Alabama coach said he enjoys the grind of the work week as much as he enjoys the game itself: Spann asks Saban if he gets tired of being asked about retirement: "I get asked that a lot, especially by recruits and their families. About three years ago, on his way back from Mobile on a Sunday morning, Spann also went back to revisit his old church, Greenville Baptist Church. ", James Spann, front row, far right, is pictured here with some of his fellow Tuscaloosa High School students who launched the school radio station WBBR in 1973. Since then, James has been working for ABC 33/40. "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. During his segment on the unbelievable weather conditions, the renowned meteorologist stepped off camera after finding out his home had sustained some damage, with his wife inside. He currently works for WBMA-LD (ABC 33/40), Birmingham's AB James Spann's better half, Karen is a glad spouse, and they have two youngsters together. "I understand them, and they understand me.". James was honored as one of the Top 100 Outstanding Alumni of the Mississippi State Department of Geosciences in 2016. He holds the AMS CCM designation and television seals from the AMS and NWA. James Max Spann Jr. (born June 6, 1956) is a television meteorologist and podcast host based in Birmingham, Alabama. James Hale Spann, 77. Spann is blissfully married to her darling wife, Karen Spann. He has been a licensed Ham Radio operator since he was 14 and fascinated with weather all his life. james spann retiringedelstein bavaria dishes james spann retiring. For other inquiries, Contact Us. 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. "So, I think there's no doubt there was some type of plan to take something bad, that family situation, and turn it into something good. ", James Spann poses with a group of students following a speaking engagement at the Alberta School of Performing Arts in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (Bob Carlton/bcarlton@al.com). 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. The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. "I've been married for 38 years. "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. "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. At least five people are dead and multiple casualties have been reported after seven deadly tornadoes tore through the state of Alabama. Obituary. 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. And a lot of the older people in there knew me. All rights reserved (About Us). We lost a lot of trees. He also expects and wants you to LOVE weather and what you dowhich makes it easy to work hard. I never did see the 10 o'clock news until I retired." Speaking about his retirement . Juggling work, family, and community commitments, including navigating the beast of social media, can take a toll on mental health for all of us. 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). We had been in a little box of an apartment, just tiny, tiny. 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