Jim Channell’s Biography

Jim grew up in Chicago, 4 blocks from Wrigley Field.  He attended the Pillar of Fire Fundamental Christian Grammar School, Lake View High School and Columbia College, where he discovered an interest in radio.  After consulting with Ken Draper, Program Director of his favorite radio station (Super WCFL AM 1000) Jim then entered Midwestern Broadcasting School.  Upon graduation, Jim’s first radio job took him to WCHI – Chillicothe, Ohio.  Jim had one goal in mind – to make it back to Chicago radio!  His radio travels took him to WBEX – Chillicothe, Ohio; KCLU – Rolla, MO; Milwaukee, WI; KSTP – Minneapolis/St. Paul MN; and finally to WDHF/WMET – Chicago… all this before accepting Jesus.

Some of the highlights from Jim’s secular radio days include: Programming KUDL – Kansas City to the highest ratings in their history; Programming KSTP – Minneapolis/St. Paul from 13th to 2nd in 105 days which earned Jim nationwide recognition in all the trade publications; and in 1975 (as Captain Whammo) he was voted one of the Top 4 DJs in America by Billboard Magazine!

On November 5, 1978 through a series of God-ordained circumstances, Jim accepted Jesus as personal savior as he cried out for forgiveness of his sins.

Jim immediately turned his back on Rock N Roll radio, even though he would eventually receive four big money offers to return.  He taught at Midwestern Broadcasting School for $6/hour for 2 ½ years as he was being disciple by Pastors-in-training at Moody Bible Institute.

In 1981, God opened a door for Jim to begin his Christian radio ministry.  He has worked at WCRM – Dundee, IL; WCFL – Chicago (when it was a Christian station for a time); WAYJ – Ft. Myers, FL; World Harvest Radio WHME – South Bend, IN; and now since 1998 as Morning Host at Praise FM (WSRX) in Naples, FL.

Some of the highlights from Jim’s Christian radio days include: Programming WCFL – Chicago to have more listeners during music hours than any other Christian station in America; recording “Christian Countdown America” for 10 years (and seeing over 3,000 souls won for the Lord in that time); becoming the very first Program Director in the history of the WAY-FM ministries; programming WAYJ – Ft. Myers, Fl to the highest “hooper” ratings in their history; sharing Jesus on the air since 1998 at Praise FM (WSRX) – Naples, FL; and in February 2006 at God’s direction, started the world’s first Christian Oldies program, “Classic Christian Gold.”  Through this ministry he shares Jesus in Africa, Kenya, New Zealand, the Phillipines, France, the UK, Alaska, Canada, Puerto Rico, Haiti and the U.S.A.  Jim can also be reached via email at classchristian@aol.com

Jim’s goal in life is very simple – “To live in peace – and share Jesus”!  Amen!