Jim Channell Has Passed

HisAir is deeply sorry to report the passing of our longtime friend and Christian Radio veteran Jim Channell has passed away after a long illness. 

Jim is best known in Christian Radio as host of “Christian Countdown America” for 10 years where the show saw over 3,000 salvations. He programmed the original WCFL in downtown Chicago – when it was “Christian CFL” – the station had more listeners during music hours than any Christian station in America at that time. 

Jim worked in rock n’ roll radio for 12 years in the markets including: Wichita, St. Louis, Kansas City, Milwaukee, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Chicago. In 1975 he was voted by Billboard Magazine as one of the top 4 DJ’s in America as “Captain Whammo” – WMET/Chicago

Jim accepted Jesus as personal savior November 5th, 1978 and gave up rock n’ roll radio, despite 4 very lucrative offers after that In 1980. He got his first job in Christian radio and dedicated his radio abilities to Jesus ever since. 

Jim shared Jesus in the morning at Praise FM in Naples, FL for many years before the station was sold to WayFM. During that time he shared his testimony at over 500 church meetings, retreats, benefits, and banquets. Jim’s testimony has been shared on Billy Graham’s “Hour of Decision”, D. James Kennedy’s Telecast, The 700 Club, Unshackled, Nightsounds, a Moody Chapel Service, The Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun Times, and Moody Radio Network worldwide.

in 2020 Jim launched internet station “Jesus Radio Worldwide” (https://www.jesusradioworldwide.com/) that hit a milestone of reaching listeners in 150 countries.

Please remember Jim’s wife Arlene during this difficult time.