WQAD Jim King: A Trusted Voice in Quad Cities News
WQAD Jim King was a trusted news anchor who served the Quad Cities for over 35 years. Known for his calm voice and deep integrity, he became a daily presence in local homes. As both a reporter and community advocate, WQAD Jim King earned lasting respect for his honest storytelling and public service.
Quick Facts About Jim King
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | James W. “Jim” Ketz |
| Professional Name | Jim King |
| Date of Birth | October 19, 1933 |
| Birthplace | Wheeling, Illinois |
| Education | Cornell University (Humanities) |
| Military Service | U.S. Air Force (Azores Armed Forces TV project) |
| Early Career | Chicago Tribune, KERO Radio, KETV Omaha |
| Joined WQAD | July 1963 |
| Key WQAD Roles | Sports Director, Lead Anchor, News Director |
| Signature Features | “On the Road” series |
| Major Reports | Vietnam War correspondent |
| Community Impact | 28 Years with MDA Telethon |
| Death | January 2, 1999 (Moline, IL) |
| Burial Site | Rock Island National Cemetery |
| Family | Wife (Gloria Lopez), 3 sons, 5 grandsons |
Early Life and Values
From Illinois Roots to a Purposeful Path
Born on October 19, 1933, in Wheeling, Illinois, Jim grew up with a sense of civic duty and communication. He carried those values through his life, choosing to serve first in the military before entering the media world.
Serving the Nation Before the Newsroom
Air Force and Armed Forces Broadcasting
Jim enlisted in the United States Air Force where he helped establish an early military television station in the Azores—a pioneering initiative in broadcast communication at the time. His work there combined technical skill and public service, laying the foundation for his future in journalism.
From Print Pages to Prime-Time News
A Multi-Platform Start
After military service, Jim pursued a degree in humanities at Cornell University, equipping him with a broad understanding of culture and ethics. He began his reporting journey with the Chicago Tribune, gaining early experience at a major American news outlet.
He later transitioned to radio broadcasting at KERO in Bakersfield, California, and then made his television debut at KETV in Omaha, Nebraska, where he adopted the professional name Jim King—a name that would become synonymous with trusted local journalism.
The WQAD Chapter Begins
Becoming a Founding Voice
Jim became WQAD-TV’s first sports director in July 1963, just ahead of the station’s inaugural broadcast. His presence was confident, credible, and instantly relatable—qualities that quickly made him a viewer favorite.
By 1964, he was promoted to lead anchor and news director, marking the beginning of a long and storied career as the face of WQAD.
Journalism That Bridged Distances
Vietnam War Reporting
Jim’s commitment to responsible journalism led him to Vietnam, where he produced rare on-the-ground coverage of local servicemen during the war. His interviews offered Midwest families a deeply personal glimpse into the lives of loved ones deployed abroad.
This coverage earned widespread respect, not only for its bravery but for the compassion Jim showed in telling these difficult stories.
“On the Road” Series
Jim was not limited to hard news. His local feature series, “On the Road,” highlighted small towns, unsung heroes, and everyday life across the Quad Cities. His calm demeanor and natural curiosity made each segment a heartfelt tribute to the people and places that often went unnoticed.
A Champion for Causes That Mattered
MDA Telethon Legacy
For 28 consecutive years, Jim hosted the local segment of the Jerry Lewis Labor Day Muscular Dystrophy Telethon. More than just an annual broadcast, it became a deeply personal mission for him. He regularly visited MDA camps, interviewed families, and raised awareness with compassion and care.
Under his leadership, the telethon helped raise nearly $30 million, making a lasting difference in the lives of children and their caregivers.
Life Beyond the Anchor Desk
Family, Faith, and Grounded Values
In 1956, he wed Gloria Lopez during his time stationed at McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey. Their marriage was a lasting bond grounded in mutual respect and love. They raised three sons, built a home in Moline, and maintained a life centered on community and faith.
Jim’s personal life mirrored the values he brought to his journalism: humility, reliability, and quiet strength.
Celebrated Career and Lasting Recognition
A Career Marked by Integrity
Jim was honored with numerous accolades throughout his career, including local awards for community service and national recognition for his Vietnam coverage. His long-standing reputation for accuracy and empathy made him a benchmark in regional journalism.
Even after retirement, his impact remained strong—his mentorship and example continue to influence young journalists entering the field.
An Unexpected Goodbye
Passing of a Community Icon
On January 2, 1999, Jim King passed away suddenly from a heart attack while using a snowblower outside his Moline home. He was 65 years old.
His funeral service was held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, attended by family, friends, and hundreds of community members. He was laid to rest at Rock Island National Cemetery in a private ceremony.
He is survived by his wife Gloria, their three sons, and five grandsons—a legacy carried forward in both name and values.
Remembering Jim King
More Than an Anchor
To viewers, Jim King was far more than a newsman. He was a daily companion, a comforting presence, and a rare figure who reported with both strength and heart. His final sign-off—“Thank you for inviting us into your home”—was more than polite routine. It was an invitation to trust, to connect, and to feel seen.
A Legacy in Broadcast and Beyond
Jim’s story continues to echo in newsroom ethics, local traditions, and the warmth of memory shared by Quad Cities families. His grandson and son have both pursued careers in broadcasting, continuing the tradition of meaningful storytelling.
Final Thoughts
WQAD Jim King legacy is not only found in archives or accolades—it lives in the hearts of those he served. With every report, every community story, and every compassionate cause he championed, Jim brought journalism closer to what it should always be: honest, human, and hopeful.
His life reminds us that the truest newsmen don’t just deliver information—they build connection. And that’s what Jim King gave the Quad Cities: a voice they trusted, a presence they cherished, and a legacy they still carry forward.
WQAD Jim King didn’t just anchor the news—he anchored a community.
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