William David James Jr., longtime KDKA news anchor and reporter, dies at 85

by Janice Crompton / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Perhaps it was being born on Halloween that gave William “Dave” James the chutzpah to ask George Romero for the part of the final ghoul in his zombie horror film “Night of the Living Dead,” or maybe the famous filmmaker was a fan of his radio show on KDKA, where Mr. James served as news anchor and reporter for nearly 35 years.

Whatever the reason, Mr. James, who died March 22 at the age of 85, gave his all to the role and felt a special sense of pride for the 1968 cult classic, filmed mostly in Evans City, Butler County.

Mr. James grew up in Braddock until he was 8 years old, when his family moved to Macon, Ga.

After graduating from Lanier Senior High School for Boys in 1957, he earned a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism from the University of Georgia.

His radio career began at the age of 17 at WNEX in Macon, followed by a stint at WDOL in Athens, Ga.

From 1961 to 1965, he served in the Air Force and served four years with the American Forces Radio and Television Service, working at the organization’s headquarters in Los Angeles and as a morning disc jockey at the Far East Network in Tokyo, where he also taught English.

The early 1970s saw Mr. James back in Pittsburgh working as a news anchor and staff announcer at WIIC-TV, which later became WPXI, Channel 11. He took on the same role at KQV Radio and joined KDKA Radio as a news anchor and reporter in 1971, where he stayed for almost 35 years.

In his later years, Mr. James worked at Pittsburgh Business Radio and Renda Broadcasting stations, including WHJB, WSHH, and WJAS, according to an obituary written by his loved ones.

Because he had such an easily recognizable voice, he had no problem finding work in radio and TV commercials for companies such as Pittsburgh Brewing, Dollar Bank, Thorofare Supermarkets, Parker/Hunter and Iron & Glass Bank.

Companies such as UPS and Snap-on Tools sometimes hired Mr. James to narrate training films.

After his role in the “Living Dead,” Mr. James found a passion for acting, performing in 30-plus plays. He also dubbed lead roles in several Asian feature films.

He shared a love of laughter, beer and tennis with his many friends — some of whom dropped notes of remembrance on his obituary page.

They included retired Pittsburgh journalist Alan Jennings.

“I had the honor to work alongside Dave at KDKA radio in the mid 80s, he was such a pro,” Mr. Jennings wrote. “Dave was asked one time of those who’d gone before us — whom would he most like to have dinner with — and Dave replied ‘My father.’ I've never forgotten that. After 40 years, it still touches my heart.”

“It was an honor, a privilege and a pleasure to have known Dave,” wrote Kerry Murray. “Rest well my quirky friend, I'll see you in another life.”

Per Mr. James’ wishes, there will be no funeral or memorial, although he requested that friends “raise your beer or glass” in his honor. “He would have loved to share many more with you.”

Mr. James is survived by his sister Diana James; and his children, Dana Wachter, Steven James and Terry James; along with six grandchildren.