Cover photo for Jim Withers's Obituary
Jim Withers Profile Photo
1946 Jim 2015

Jim Withers

March 15, 1946 — May 18, 2015

James Robert Withers was born in Coleman, Texas on March 15, 1946. Together with his sister, Judy, he spent his teen years in Evant, Texas. Early on he discovered his love of radio, built a small radio transmitter and became an amateur disc jockey on his own personal station. Jim graduated from Evant High School and went on to attend the University of Texas in Austin in 1964. He continued to pursue his love of radio as an announcer at KUT-FM. During this time, he interviewed Bob Dylan and asked his burning question of what Mr. Dylan had in mind when he wrote ""The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll""? Much to Jim's dismay, Dylan replied ""Because I was wearing a yellow shirt that day."" Jim went on to work at several Texas radio stations and adopted the air name, Nick St. John. In 1965, Jim joined the Air Force as an Armed Forces Radio and TV Specialist (AFRTS). He was stationed in Tainan, Taiwan, where he was the ""mid to 6 rock and roll DJ"". After completing his overseas tour, he was stationed at Lowry Air Force Base in Denver. He purchased a local recording studio, renamed it, St. John Productions and began working as an independent producer, director, and camera man/voice talent for local advertising agencies. In 1971, after receiving his honorable discharge, he met Cynthia Caracasis. During that time, he launched KBPI as Denver's first alternative, album-based rock radio station. Jim and Cynthia married in September, 1972. In 1973, Jim moved to KIMN as the Program Director. There he supported the musical work of many a recording artist. One night he invited an unknown musician over to his home to have a jam session. The fellow played a ""ditty"" and asked the group what they thought. Everyone agreed that Charlie Daniel's song, ""The Devil Went Down to Georgia"" would become a hit. In 1974, Jim received a gold record for being the first radio station in the country to play (break) John Denver's #1 hit, ""Annie's Song"". In 1975, Jim's first daughter, Stori Lynn, was born and he began his award winner advertising career. Although no longer an on-air DJ, Jim kicked off Margarita Fridays at 4pm by turning on the office intercom and broadcasting ""It's Friday!"" In 1981, Jim's younger daughter, Demetra Skylar ""Sky"", was born. In the mid 80's annual trips to Lake Powell became a family tradition. Each morning Jim prepared Bloody Marys singing ""It's Bloody Mary Time"". In the early 90's, Jim became an independent Producer/Director and launched Fasscheep and Goode Productions. He would tell his clients his production work could be fast, cheap or good, but they could only pick two of the three options. In 2002, after Jim and Cynthia divorced, Jim turned to retirement as his full-time career. He devoted his time to gardening, attending Colorado Symphony Orchestra concerts, volunteering for political campaigns, listening to Colorado Public Radio, and spending time with his grandchildren, daughters, family and friends. Jim passed away in his sleep from COPD on Monday morning, May 18, 2015. He is survived by his daughters, Stori Lynn Hybbeneth, married to Scott, residing in Lone Tree, CO., Skylar Stewart, married to Jonah, residing in Wasilla, AK., his three grandchildren, Ruby, Violet and Miles, his sister, Judy Mosely, married to Kenneth, residing in Copperas Cove, TX, his niece, Kenda Calkins married to Richard, residing in Killeen, TX, his nephews, Jim Moseley, married to Maria, residing in Copperas Cove, TX, Mark Moseley, married to Sabrina, residing in Denver, CO, and his former spouse, Cynthia C. Withers residing in Denver, CO. Memorial gifts in his name may be made to either Colorado Public Radio or The Colorado Symphony Orchestra. Jim touched many lives in different ways. Celebration of Life, Saturday, 1:00pm, Angelo's Taverna, 620 E. 6th Ave., Denver. Memorials to Colorado Public Radio, www.cpr.org or the Colorado Symphony Orchestra, 1000 14th St., Denver, CO 80202. We all had joyful times together and encourage you to share your memories of Jim with his family.
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