Jim Stewart (1927-2003) started his broadcasting career at WJBY while in high school and worked at WJRD while in college. Jim was associated with WGAD in Gadsden for two years before moving to WRBL in Columbus, Georgia. He graduated from the University of Alabama with a major in Radio Arts and a minor in Commerce in 1950 was a member of the ATO Fraternity and the Honorary Broadcasting Fraternity. He served in the U. S. Navy in World War II, Asiatic-Pacific Theatre, 1945-46.

He was a member of the corporation that founded WHEP in 1953. In 1957, the corporation established WBCA in Bay Minette, with Jim as manager and in 1960 the corporation purchased WWGC in Bremen, GA. He then became operations manager of the three stations.

Jim purchased full ownership of WHEP in 1961. He is the first graduate of the University of Alabama to serve as President of the Alabama Broadcasters Association. He also served as President of the Foley Rotary Club, Foley Kiwanis Club, South Baldwin County Chamber of Commerce and the Foley Planning Board. He served as Chairman of the Board of South Baldwin Hospital for 18 years , which engaged a $5 million expansion program.

Industry and Civic Service and Honors

· Alabama Broadcaster of the Year 1983

· President of Alabama Broadcasters Association 1964-1965

· Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1967 from the Film and Broadcast Communications Department at the University of Alabama

· Served on the AM Broadcasters and Legislative Liaison Committee, National Association of Broadcasters

· Chairman for Alabama Council of Hospital Governing Boards

· Received Paul Harris Award 1989, Rotary International

· Member of the Alabama State Industry Advisory Committee

· Member of National Association of Broadcasters

· Member of Broadcast Pioneers

· Member of American Legion

· Member of VFW

· Honorary member of the South Baldwin Jaycees;

Jim was married to the former Anne Joiner of Eufaula and Ozark, AL. They have three children, Jim Stewart Jr., Clark Stewart and Lisa Purvis and seven grandchildren.