James Henry Eason Jr.

James Henry Eason Jr. died peacefully on February 8, 2025 at age 89 after a long illness. Jim and his wife, Barbara, have resided in Auburn for 22 years. Born in Burlington, North Carolina, James was the first son of James and Lena Eason. Jim’s mother, Lena Salvageot, was the daughter of Waldensian immigrants from Northern Italy who came to the United States in the late 19th century and helped to establish the town of Valdese, North Carolina.

Shortly after James ninth birthday, his beloved mother, Lena, died of breast cancer and as a result, he and his younger brother were raised in separate families. An avid reader and scholar, young James advanced two grades ahead. James received schooling at a small Christian boarding school in Glade Valley, NC where made lifelong friendships. He briefly attended Edwards Military Institute and after graduating from Glade Valley, James studied for the ministry at Piedmont Bible College in Winstom-Salem, NC. Due to his education, as well as a strong family foundation in Christianity, James became a lifelong student of the Bible.

After High School, James enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and began training in meteorology. While stationed in Morocco, James continued weather forecasting, and became a broadcaster on Armed Forces Radio. Jim continued training in Weather Forecasting School and became a Weather Forecaster in Sondrestrom Fijord, Greenland.

The following year, James (now Jim) received his honorable discharge from the US Air Force, Castle Air Base, in Merced, California. Seeking a new career path, Jim enrolled in the Radio TV Department at San Francisco State College (now University). The student run Radio TV Guild also ran the student radio station where Jim met his wife Barbara Thrall, and together they made lifetime friends. Jim became General Manager of the State College student radio station while continuing to attend full time at State, and working three part-time jobs.

Jim left college to pursue a career in radio broadcasting. He continued to develop skills producing, writing, and directing for local TV and radio. After working at several stations, Jim joined highly acclaimed KGO Newstalk Radio in San Francisco by filling in a for a night time program. An uncanny memory sparked Jim’s interviews and discussions of current events. Jim’s resonant voice and warm personality were well suited to broadcasting. Moving to a regular afternoon program, Jim interviewed a variety of public figures such as Rev. Billy Graham, musician George Shearing, singers Mel Torme, Rosemary Clooney and Dame Cleo Lane (Lady Dankworth), who also became personal friends with Jim.

Jim’s talent, coupled with an increased following of listeners and callers, consistently kept The Jim Eason Show as the number one rated program in afternoon ratings on KGO for over 20 years. Jim enjoyed mentoring newcomers, speaking at colleges and giving generously to help others. For many years Jim helped to host, secure talent, and raise funds the KGO Leukemia Cure-A-Thon.

Jim leaves behind his wife Barbara, daughter Lauren, son James III (Jessica), grandsons Rollins and Desmond, son Adam (from first marriage), brother Sam (Gwen) as well as many family members and friends. He is preceded in death by his beloved granddaughter, Isabel. Jim closed every show with a phrase he took from his grandparents: “Do what you can, but behave yourself!” ! In lieu of flowers, a donation to your favorite charity is suggested.

A service of prayers for James will be held Saturday, March 1, 2025 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at St. James Episcopal Church, 479 L Street St., Lincoln, CA 95648. A funeral mass will occur Saturday, March 8, 2025 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 124 Orange St., Auburn, CA 95603. An internment with military honors to be updated will occur.