Jim Channell, "Captain Whammo" and Christian broadcaster

[gr8oldies]

Jim Channell, who worked as Captain Whammo in Chicago before making a life-change and beginning a long career in Christian broadcasting, passes.

Jim Channel

Jim Channell, Christian radio programmer and on-air host, has passed away after a long illness. Best known as the host of “Christian Countdown America,” Channell previously programmed University of Northwestern

www.insideradio.com

 

[KeithE4]

Sorry to hear of his passing, but in Chicago, he was far more famous as Captain Whammo on WDHF/WMET 95.5 in the 1970s than he was as a religious broadcaster. He was (in)famous for trying to turn WCFL into a commercial religious broadcaster in the '80s. Emphasis on the former. It didn't work, and the station was purchased by WLUP after three years.

 

[Chi Town Lefty]

My father was the General Manager of WDH/WMET in Chicago, when Jim worked there on the air as Captain Whammo. I first met Jim in 1974, and we remained friends until the day he entered heaven. His religious conversion was as real as Paul's on the Road to Damascus. He served God from November 5th, 1978, till November 7th, 2023. (45 years and 2 days). He was the real deal. He's probably up there right now rooting for the Cubs.

 

[Radio Bob]

I met Jim when I was part time CE at 89.5fm Praise FM in Naples Fla 2001. As years passed he did voice over work for me on several Naples stations doing so up until he passed. When he wanted to start a streaming Christian service I helped him set it up in his home. He was the real thing from his start in Ohio to his death. We all miss him.