Local news anchor Jim Vance passed away on July 22nd, 2017 at the age of 75. January 10th, 2023, would have been Vance’s 81st birthday. Vance worked at WRC-TV (NBC 4) for over 45 years, with the majority of them spent anchoring the 11pm newscast alongside Doreen Gentzler, Bob Ryan, and the late George Michael. Considered by many to be the most trusted voice in the Washington area, Jim was a Silver Spring resident and had won multiple Emmy Award for Outstanding News Anchor during his career.
Doreen Gentzler, who retired from NBC 4 in November, posted the following tribute this morning on her Instagram page: “Thinking about Jim Vance and wishing he was here to celebrate his 81st birthday. I’m on a train to Philadelphia, where he grew up and I spent a few years. Did you know he was a high school English teacher in Philly before becoming a broadcaster? I still miss sharing news and life advice and mischief with this guy. RIP Jim Vance ❤️”
Below you’ll see some classic clips of Jim Vance:
Jim & George laugh at a model’s expense:
Jim Vance on the name “Redskins”:
Early work at NBC 4 in 1969:
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