James "Jim" Stair, 85, passed away on July 30 from spinal surgery complications after a fall at his home on July 12. As a loving father, grandfather, husband, mentor, public servant, musician/entertainer, radio personality, and devout Christian, he was a true friend and person for the people. He leaves a proud legacy and will be greatly missed by many.
Pre-deceased by parents George and Edith Bardill Stair, brothers George Wilburn and Robert Stair, and the mother of his children, Ruby Nell Stair Blazer; he is survived by his wife, Eugenia Stair, sons James Frederic "Fred" Stair II (Pat) of Farragut, TN; Walter Stair (Rhonda) of Clinton, TN; and Scott David Stair of Karns, TN; grandson Adam Stair, sisters-in law Rebecca Glezen (Jeffrey), of New York and Tita Sampron of Chicago, brother-in-law Victor Dairo (Gloria) of Chicago, and several nieces and nephews.
Jim, the youngest of three sons, was born in 1929 on the family farm in Clinton, TN, and it has remained the family home site. His father was a supervisor at Magnet Mills, an ordained minister and a founder of the Wesleyan Church in Clinton. His mother played piano for the church. Jim's attendance at Clinton High School was interrupted when he ran away from home at the age of 16 to join the Merchant Marines, lying about his age to join. He returned to Clinton to continue his high school education. After serving in the Army from 1946-1948 during the Korean conflict, Jim attended the Tennessee Radio Institute in pursuit of his dream career in broadcasting.
His great uncle John loved to tell the story of a five-year old Jim's pretend radio station set up in his grandma's smokehouse in the 1930's, and his childhood dream of one day having a radio station on a hill in Clinton, and how he fulfilled his dream by building and operating WYSH Radio in 1960 on that Clinton hill. He got his first job in radio at WROL Knoxville on the recommendation of Archie Campbell and then continued his career at WLIL in Lenoir City, WATO Oak Ridge and WCRK in Morristown before coming to Clinton to open WYSH and later adding WCFA FM. Jim and various business partners acquired radio stations in Morristown (WMTN and WAZI), Oneida (WBNT), Lancaster, KY, McKenzie, TN, Tazewell, TN (WCTU) and LaFollette, TN (WLAF). Jim at one time served as president of the Tennessee Association of Broadcasters. Jim was proud of his three wonderful sons and was happy to have been able to work beside them in radio and TV.
In addition to owning and managing stations, Jim was also a well-known radio and television personality and served as a mentor to many aspiring entrepreneurs and personalities in radio broadcasting. He was known as the voice of Clinton for three decades as the morning show host on WYSH where he kicked off each show with his trademark "It's coffee sippin' time!" Jim served as an evening TV news anchor on Channel 12 in LaFollette for 15 years in the 1980's and '90's .
A born showman, Jim was a talented pianist and vocalist, known for his distinct style of playing, which was a combination of contemporary and gospel styles. Jim formed and lead several gospel groups, the best known being The Skyliners which produced numerous albums and toured the south and Midwest in the late 1950's. He hosted the "Hour of Sunshine" TV variety show which showcased many southern gospel musical groups including his own. Jim also played piano for his Sunday school class at Memorial Methodist Church in Clinton for the past 54 years. In addition to playing the piano, Jim enjoyed target shooting, ballroom dancing, and spending time with his family, especially his grandson.
Jim's dedication to his community led to his being elected as the youngest mayor of Clinton in the late 1960's. His mayoral accomplishments included initiating several urban renewal projects and recruiting industry to establish the JD Yarnell industrial park. Jim remained active in promoting various political candidates in Anderson County and at the state level. He was an active member of Kerbela Shriners, a 32nd degree Mason and supported several community charities such as the March of Dimes American Legion and Lions Club.
The family will receive friends 1:00-3:00 pm, Sunday, August 2, 2015 at Holley Gamble Funeral Home. His graveside service will follow at Grandview Memorial Garden with full military honors at graveside. Memorial contributions may be made to Kerbela Shriners. Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of all arrangements. holleygamble.com