Jim Vance, a beloved and legendary news anchor in Washington D.C., was married three times and had three children.
Vance, 75, died on July 22 just over two months after revealing to viewers that he was battling cancer. At the time of the announcement, Vance said he was undergoing treatment and stayed positive about the outcome.
Vance’s death was a great loss to the D.C. community, where he served as the longest tenured anchor in its history, with more than 40 years on the air. He was known for his classy demeanor and silken voice.
Jim Vance was truly a Washington icon. If Fred Couples defines cool on the golf course, Vance did on set. And as nice a guy as you’ll meet.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. Vance’s Final Wife Was an NBC News Producer
Kathy McCampbell Vance.
Vance, who was married three times during his life, was married to a former television news producer for several decades.
His third wife was Kathy McCampbell Vance, a former television producer. In 2011, the Washingtonian reported, “A father of three, Vance has been married to former Channel 4 news producer Kathy McCampbell Vance for 24 years and lives in DC’s Spring Valley.”
In 2014, though, the Post reported the couple was estranged. Over the years, the couple sometimes appeared at D.C. social gatherings. You can see a photo of Vance and Kathy here and here.
According to her LinkedIn page, Kathy is president of Kamax Productions, LLC, a company for which she does television and video production and media consulting.
Kathy McCampbell Vance.
She was a producer and consultant for WRC-TV in Washington D.C. (Vance’s long-time station), for two years from 1998 to 2000. Before that, she was director of programming and community affairs for the same station for 24 years. She has a law degree from Howard University and a degree in speech and communications from George Washington University, according to LinkedIn.
2. Vance Left Behind Three Children
Vance had three children, Dawn, Amani, and Brendon.
Vance was married three times, and his first child was with his first wife, to whom he was married for only 10 months at age 19, reported The Washington Post. He told The Post of his children, “They are three incredibly bright kids … who have no time or interest in watching local TV news.”
3. Vance Had a Tough Childhood After Losing Both Parents
#DC is mourning the loss of icon Jim Vance. The anchor was honored in June at the unveiling of the @benschilibowl mural. He will be missed.
Jim Vance was born in Pennsylvania and struggled with losing both parents young in life.
The Post reported that Vance’s father, James Jr., “was an alcoholic who came home from World War II traumatized by combat. He died at 38 from cirrhosis of the liver when his only child was 9.” His mother, Eleanor, “left her son with her in-laws and an array of aunts and uncles to live and work in Philadelphia,” according to the Post.
The newspaper reported that Vance felt wounded by the loss for decades and later turned to drug addiction, which he spoke candidly about.
4. In May, Vance Revealed on the Air That He Had Cancer
Vance revealed publicly in May that he was battling cancer, although he didn’t reveal the kind.
“I’ve had to take some time off, but it’s not my own choosing,” Vance told viewers on May 4 as he revealed the tragic news.
“A couple weeks ago doctors gave me some news. It’s the kind of news nobody wants to hear. They said I have cancer, and I need treatment. So, I have been getting that treatment. I have been coming into work with my partners here whenever I can, and I shall continue to do that. In the meantime I’m doing OK. Voice is a little weak…I love what I do. I love the people with whom I am privileged every day to do it.”
On July 22, Vance’s station announced that he had died.
5. The Station’s President Called Vance the ‘Soul’ of NBC4 & Washington D.C.
Sad news. Our great News4 and community friend Jim Vance has died. An honor to have known & worked with him.
Tributes flowed in after news of Vance’s death spread.
“For more than 45 years, Jim Vance was not only the soul of NBC4 but of the entire Washington area,” NBC4 president Jackie Bradford said in a statement. “His smooth voice, brilliant mind and unforgettable laugh leaves each of us with a tremendous void.” Vance was an anchorman for the station for more than 45 years; you can see old footage of Vance anchoring channel WRC-TV here.
Bradford’s July 22 statement began: “We are heartbroken to announce that Jim Vance died this morning.” Further details about the circumstances of his death were not revealed.
The Washington Post called Vance the “dean of Washington news anchors.”
According to The Post, Vance was a reporter for the television station for three years before he became news anchor way back in 1972. His 1989 pairing with Doreen Gentzler helped put the newscast in first place for more than 25 years, reported The Post.
They were often simply called “Jim and Doreen.”
Many people described Vance as a legend.
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.
Jim Vance was a legend. If you’ve lived here for decades, you understand. RIP and condolences to his family, friends & NBC4 family
So sad to hear of Jim Vance’s passing. He defined what was best about journalism in DC & never lost the common touch
Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser wrote a tribute on Twitter, saying “Our thoughts & prayers are w/ his family. Jim Vance was a steady voice who shared the news – good or bad – with grace. This is a loss for DC.”
Jim Vance won many awards during his lengthy career, including 19 Emmy awards.