Longtime Pittsburgh Newscaster Dies

PITTSBURGH, PA — Dave James, whose distinctive voice could be heard delivering the news for decades on Pittsburgh radio and TV stations, died Saturday. He was 85.

James worked as a news announcer at WIIC-TV (now WPXI) and then as a reporter and news anchor at KQV-AM before joining KDKA-AM and KDKA-TV in 1971. He worked at the radio and television station for more than three decades as a news anchor and reporter.

He also worked at Pittsburgh Business Radio and Renda Broadcasting stations, including WHJB-AM, WSHH-FM and WJAS-AM.

According to his obituary, James' broadcasting career began in 1956 at WNEX in Macon, Georgia then moved to WDOL in Athens, Georgia before enlisting in the United States Air Force. During his military service, he worked as a morning disc jockey at the Far East Network in Toyko.

In addition to broadcasting, James enjoyed acting and played a zombie the legendary horror movie classic "Night of the Living Dead" in 1967.

The Braddock native was raised in Georgia and majored in broadcast journalism at the University of Georgia.

Per James' wishes, no service or memorial.