© 2025 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Selected stories from the WKAR NewsRoom in your morning email. SUBSCRIBE HERE

Legendary WKAR Sportscaster Jim Adams Dies

File Photo
/
WKAR

Jim Adams, WKAR's Sports Director from 1961 to 1993, has died at the age of 82.

A native of East Lansing, Adams first worked at WKAR as a Michigan State University student in 1948. He went on to serve in the Korean War, and after stints at stations in Kalamazoo and Waterloo, Iowa, he returned to WKAR to stay in 1961.

He retired in 1993.

His career spanned more than 1,500 play-by-play broadcasts. Adams had a well-earned reputation as a tremendous pre-game researcher.

Along with friend and colleague Earle Robinson, Adams was the founding host of WKAR-AM's sports call-in program.

In 1998, Adams was recognized with a Special Award from the Michigan Journalism Hall of Fame.

Adams was also a long-time host of Broadway music programming on WKAR.

Scott Pohl has maintained an on-call schedule reporting for WKAR following his retirement after 36 years on the air at the station.
Local journalism matters—and it’s at risk.


WKAR brings you trusted news, without barriers—no paywalls, no corporate spin. But now, federal funding that helps make it all possible is on the chopping block. Your support is more important than ever. Stand up for independent journalism in mid-Michigan—make your gift today.