On July 22, news broadcaster Jim Vance passed away at the age of 75 after a battle with cancer. I grew up watching Mr. Vance on News 4 and met him in person two years ago. He was coming off the escalator while I was selling newspapers and seemed to be a down to earth person.
Watching him as I grew from teenager to adult, Mr. Vance was a positive influence on the air. He had a certain charisma about himself and he knew how to really talk to and connect with a person.
Mr. Vance was one of the pioneers for African American news anchors, alongside J.C. Haywood (WUSA 9), Max Robinson (ABC World News Tonight) and others. He overcame a lot of obstacles in his life. There will never be another one like him. May you rest in peace, Mr. Vance.
—Leonard Hyater, Artist/Vendor
Jim Vance, the news anchor on channel 4, was a voice I grew up listening to. I’ve been watching him since I was a child. Since his death on July 22, other news anchors have been showing a lot of support for him. He was a journalist of the purest form. The outpouring of support that has come through for this man is overwhelming. I have great respect for what he accomplished as a journalist and stood for. I strive to be as much like him as possible or better. That is a goal that drives me.
Jim Vance’s career spanned most of my lifetime. He was a beacon for us all to draw from.
—Damon Smith, Artist/Vendor
A Special Memory of the Great Jim Vance
September 30, 1971
Out brand new
Channel Four
correspondent,
Bravely fielded
Insults and a
few “wild swings”
from rowdy
“Yankees fans”
at the final
Washington Senators game in RFK
Stadium I with my buddy George,
Thought we needed to come to his aid.
Jim thanked us with a hearty laugh.
“I’ll handle those characters, but thanks
anyway!” Vance went on to a long and
distinguished career anchoring for
NBC’s D.C affiliate. We shall miss him.
—Frederic John, Artist/Vendor
