Jim Vance, Dean of DC News Anchors, Dies at 75

Steve Burns

WMAL.com

WASHINGTON – (WMAL) The Washington region’s longest-tenured news anchor, Jim Vance, died Saturday morning.

The announcement was made through a statement from his longtime television home, Channel 4, WRC-TV. He started at Channel 4 in 1969.

“For more than 45 years, Jim Vance was not only the soul of NBC4 but of the entire Washington area. His smooth voice, brilliant mind and unforgettable laugh leaves each of us with a tremendous void,” wrote NBC 4’s General Manager, Jackie Bradford. “Jim loved his job, his family and Washington with all his heart, and we will all cherish the legacy he has left us forever.”

Vance announced a cancer diagnosis on air in May, but said he planned to continue working through his treatment. He made one of his final appearances in mid-June at the unveiling of his likeness on the new mural at Ben’s Chili Bowl.

Remembrances have been pouring in, from politicians to local icons to fellow journalists.

Jim Vance was not just a newscaster but a voice and leader of this city – a legend who will be missed greatly. pic.twitter.com/8bm1WGMHr5

— Mayor Muriel Bowser (@MayorBowser) July 22, 2017

They don’t, & won’t, come any cooler, smarter, or classier than Jim Vance. Washington has 1 less monument today. Vance, we miss you already. pic.twitter.com/KMUl4i6bEj

— Council of DC (@councilofdc) July 22, 2017

Jim Vance brought warmth and dignity to every newscast. A DC news legend and a cherished member of our NBC family. We’ll miss you Jim.

— Lester Holt (@LesterHoltNBC) July 22, 2017

Vance stands next to DC Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton on the Ben’s Chili Bowl wall.

DC has lost a legend who loved our city and told our story straight. RIP Jim Vance. https://t.co/Re5Ht8MJTX

— Eleanor H. Norton (@EleanorNorton) July 22, 2017

Jim Vance was 75.