"To whom much is given, much is required" is his motto whether you know him as Jimmy Thomas or as the on-air personality, "James T." His humanitarian contributions span from the broadcast studios of 99 JAMZ to the classrooms of South Florida's public schools in a constant effort to simply ‘be a blessing to others’. James began his radio career in 1969 at Palm Beach Junior College. As a journalism major he participated in a college show that aired on a local top 40 radio station, WIRK-AM. In 1971 he entered the professional ranks as news director and weekend talent at WRBD/WCKO in Ft. Lauderdale. There he developed into a primary on-air talent. That experience, coupled with the exposure of a weekend entertainment/public service talk show on WPTV Channel 5 in West Palm Beach, established him as a major personality in Broward and Palm Beach counties.
A real natural in business negotiations, James left radio in 1982 and formed his own company, Zeppi Productions, where he managed concert and nightclub promotions throughout Florida and the Bahamas. This gave him the freedom he needed to decide which career he wanted most. Realizing that he missed radio, James returned to his first love in 1982 accepting an unsolicited offer to host the 99 JAMZ morning show from the station's VP/General Manager, Jerry Rushin. In January 1993, James fulfilled a lifetime dream when he entered a partnership with Rushin and some of the owners of 99 JAMZ and purchased a radio station, WRBD-AM in Ft. Lauderdale.
Nationally, James has been recognized as one of the country's top program/music directors, having received numerous awards and nominations by such prestigious publications and organizations as Billboard Magazine, Impact, Urban Network, Black Radio Exclusive, Jack The Rapper, Southeast Music, Inc. and the National Black Programmers Coalition.
James has always reached back to give others an opportunity to realize their dreams. During his career, he's played an important role in helping to develop the talents of several major broadcasters and other radio personnel including:
■ Marvin Dixon
■ Tamera Gant
■ Chico The Virgo
■ "Maestro" Powell
■ Cheryl Mizell
■ Shelby Rushin
■ Michelle Fizer
■ Jane Carnegie
■ Mario DeJesus
■ Rodney Baltimore
■ Yolanda Neely
■ Lady Dee
■ Kathy Edwards
In addition to creating events for others to learn about the radio industry, James always answers the call to share his skills and knowledge with up and coming talent...
■ Southeast Music Inc. – James co-founded this national music conference which provided numerous scholarships for students to attend Miami Lakes Tech and other broadcast/music schools.
Locally, the community closely embraces James. He unselfishly gives his time, energy and love, receiving countless honors from government, schools, churches, fraternities, sororities, and service organizations...
■ He organized and presented the first annual James T. Celebrity Golf Challenge at Jacaranda on May 26, 2001.
■ James serves as the Honorary Director of the Roots Cultural Festival, assisting with promotions, fundraising and entertainment
■ In the early '80s, James volunteered his time at WPEC Channel 12 and WPTV Channel 5 in West Palm Beach to produce and host a public affairs 'Feedback' talk show covering issues on voting, education, community development, etc.
■ A real family man who stays close to his roots, he serves on the family reunion committees of both sides of the family help to plan, organize and execute reunions across the country for the Lockett and Thomas Anderson Mosley Family Reunions.
Also, James has contributed an infinite number of hours using his professional skills to help the community through Hot105.
James is married with 2 children and lives in Lake Worth, Florida.
Reviewing all his successes, James considers his greatest lifetime accomplishment to be his spiritual growth... "I'm committed to learning more so that I might better prepare myself to be able to do more for my community and glorify God."
GENERAL PROFILE
1969: Vietnam Veteran. Started his career in radio
1970-82: Worked at radio station in West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, New York, Washington, The Bahamas and Miami.
1982: Became Morning Show Host at WEDR 99 JAMZ and Program Director. Programmed the station to number one for 8 years straight…
PERSONAL: Married to Frankie and they're the proud parents of James III and Kristen. He's a member of LifeChurch.TV in Wellington, Florida*MOTEP Minority Organ and Tissue Donation Program, former Board Member