Former radio personality Jim Devitt dies

Asked to describe Jim Devitt, the term used most often by those who knew him was “creative.”

That applied to his work as a radio announcer and as a television station promotions director in the Columbus area.

Devitt, 68, died Sunday morning at his home in Cataula, Ga.

His wife, JaneAnne Devitt, said he had been battling cancer for five years.

Devitt was a native of New York. A Vietnam veteran, he was awarded two Purple Hearts.

“Being an American was the thing he was most proud of, and he loved all veterans,” his wife said. “He would do anything for them.”

And others, as well.

“Jim was always for the underdog,” she said.

She called the father of three and grandfather of eight a joy to be around, and she was not speaking of just herself.

“He never met a stranger. He would talk to people in the line at the grocery store and put a smile on their face,” she said.

Devitt was on the air in Columbus for a dozen years, working for Solar Broadcasting and South 106.

Mark Cantrell worked with him when Devitt began.

“He was so creative,” Cantrell said. “Jim had so many jokes. He was just one of those personalities you love. Everyone knew ‘Diamond Jim.’ He was a great friend for many years.”

Though Devitt had been ill for a while, Cantrell said he never saw his pal have a bad day.

Cantrell said the passing of Devitt is especially sad since longtime radio personality Val McGinness died at 67 earlier this month.

James Gilmore worked with Devitt at a couple of local stations and is currently an on-air personality for radio station WTGE in Baton Rouge, La. He returns here on occasion to visit family.

Gilmore is currently suffering from kidney cancer.

“Jim could make you feel better just being around him,” Gilmore said. “He was the most entertaining, funny man.”

Gilmore said advice given to him by Devitt when he first began in radio has helped him in his career.

He recalled coming to South 106 with a lot of wild ideas.

“Jim sat me down and told me to be myself and the people will love that,” he said. “He said I didn’t need to lie to anyone.”

After quitting radio, Devitt worked 11 years as promotions manager at television station WLTZ.

Tom Breazeale was the general manager.

“Jim was the most creative person I have ever met,” Breazeale said. “Most people know him from his radio days but he did great things for WLTZ. He was a Godsend. As far as promotions go, he lifted the station to a whole other level.”

And Devitt did not have to work long to come up with creative ideas.

“I could tell him what we needed and in five minutes, he already has a super idea or two. It was amazing,” said Breazeale, who referred to Devitt as a “fine, fine person.”

Ross Marshall worked at Solar Broadcasting with Devitt and recalls him dropping ping pong balls out of a hot air balloon for a radio stunt.

“He was creative that way. He had a great time that day,” Marshall said.

Marshall said he enjoyed the many comical alter egos Devitt used on the air.

“He just kept me tickled,” he said.

At the time of his death, Devitt was owner of Diamond Jim Devitt Advertising & Communication.

McMullen Funeral Home is handling the burial but no arrangements have yet been made.

“He will be missed,” Marshall said. “Jim Devitt was the kind of person anyone would want for a best friend.”

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This story was originally published June 26, 2016 at 4:52 PM with the headline "Former radio personality Jim Devitt dies."