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

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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1. Aiden Langston Utah: A Life of Passion, Loyalty, and Light
2. Brooks Prejean: A Life of Quiet Impact and Deep Compassion

Gabby Pitso is a Dubai-based executive assistant, wellness leader, certified yoga instructor, and youth advocate known for blending corporate precision with holistic impact. Her life’s work reflects quiet strength, thoughtful leadership, and a deep commitment to balance in all areas of life.

Whether she’s organizing boardroom strategies, guiding a breathwork session, or shaping youth policy behind the scenes, Gabby moves with intention and grace.

Quick Facts Table

Early Life and Educational Foundation

Gabby Pitso was born in Southern Africa, where values of service, resilience, and mindfulness shaped her early worldview. Raised in a nurturing yet disciplined environment, she developed a passion for helping others and a love for structured problem-solving.

She graduated from Ravensmead Senior Secondary School in 1998, where her strong work ethic and quiet determination first began to shine.

A Career Rooted in Excellence

Executive Assistant at FTI Delta

For over nine years, Gabby has served as a senior executive assistant at FTI Delta in Dubai, supporting four global partners in a high-performance environment. Her role includes:

• Coordinating complex international travel itineraries
• Managing multi-time-zone executive calendars
• Planning quarterly leadership summits and global events
• Overseeing hotel contracts and external vendor negotiations

Gabby is known not only for her technical skill but also for her emotional intelligence. She anticipates needs, solves challenges calmly, and ensures every process supports the bigger picture.

Corporate Career Journey

Gabby’s journey to FTI Delta is rooted in years of cross-industry experience:

• At Atlantis The Palm, she managed executive schedules and supported luxury brand campaigns.
• At Topaz Energy & Marine, she worked as an office manager, handling travel coordination, policy execution, and operations.
• At Nokia Siemens Networks, she oversaw property and facility management across the UAE, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait.

Her career has been built on adaptability, excellence, and the ability to thrive in dynamic environments.

Bridging Corporate Life and Holistic Wellness

Certified Yoga Teacher and Wellness Educator

Beyond the boardroom, Gabby is a certified yoga instructor and holistic healer, offering sessions in:

• Yoga and conscious movement
• Meditation and breathwork
• Aromatherapy and sound therapy

Her unique ability to bring mindfulness into the corporate space has helped countless professionals recover from stress, prevent burnout, and rediscover balance.

She leads wellness initiatives in-house and externally, encouraging workplaces to value people—not just performance.

Digital Presence and Athletic Pursuits

Inspiring Through Authenticity

Gabby actively shares her fitness routines and wellness insights online, using platforms like Instagram and TikTok to motivate others through real, relatable content.

Unlike many influencers, her content focuses on real progress, inner alignment, and thoughtful reflection—making her an inspiring voice for quiet achievers.

Policy and Community Advocacy

Quiet Impact, Wide Reach

Gabby Pitso has also contributed to youth development and digital governance efforts across Southern Africa. Her focus areas include:

• Youth-led leadership frameworks
• Data protection and digital rights
• Gender equity and inclusive policy design

Often described as a “quiet force,” Gabby’s contributions are strategic and lasting. She participates in advisory roles, policy think tanks, and cross-border initiatives that shape community resilience and long-term change.

Awards and Recognition

Recognized with awards for outstanding performance and dedication:

• Legend of the Quarter (2013) – Atlantis The Palm
• Legend of the Year, 1st Runner-Up (2014) – Atlantis The Palm

She is also an active lifelong learner, earning LinkedIn Learning certifications in:

• Emotional Intelligence
• Stress Management
• Building Resilience
• Thriving @ Work
• Communication Foundations

These accolades reflect her drive to grow—professionally, emotionally, and spiritually.

The Pitso Philosophy

Gabby believes leadership starts from within. Her values include:

• Presence over pressure – Leading through stillness and clarity
• Purpose over popularity – Doing what matters, not what trends
• Balance over burnout – Centering well-being as a foundation, not a luxury

She proves that true leadership doesn’t demand the spotlight—it simply requires intention.

Future Goals and Vision

Gabby’s vision for the next chapter includes:

• Developing a mentorship program blending wellness and leadership
• Hosting international retreats that integrate corporate performance and holistic well-being
• Advancing youth empowerment across Africa through tech, policy, and wellness education
• Publishing reflective content that explores emotional leadership and digital wellness

Conclusion

Gabby Pitso is a rare kind of leader—measured, grounded, and intentional. Her journey is not about grand gestures but lasting contributions: a well-planned meeting, a healing breath, a strategy rooted in empathy.

She is living proof that success and stillness can exist together—and that the best leaders don’t just build systems—they nurture people.

Brooks Prejean was a Louisiana-born biology student at LSU and an Organ Recovery Technician at Southern Eye Bank. Remembered for his compassion, intellect, and quiet strength, Brooks left behind a legacy of kindness and service that continues to inspire those who knew him. Though his life ended in 2024, his story remains a powerful reminder of the importance of empathy, mental health, and meaningful contribution.

Quick Facts

Early Life and Character

Brooks Prejean grew up in Louisiana, where he built deep roots in his community. From an early age, he displayed a gentle nature and a deep sense of responsibility—traits that would define his academic and personal life. He was raised in a home where integrity, humility, and service were not only taught but lived.

He began his education at the Episcopal School of Acadiana (ESA), where he quickly became known for his balanced excellence—excelling in both academics and athletics.

Academic Excellence at ESA

Brooks thrived at ESA, where he was a standout student and athlete. He played varsity baseball and basketball, always showing sportsmanship and dedication. More than talent, it was his quiet leadership that made him admired by classmates and teachers alike.

He consistently appeared on the Headmaster’s List and was inducted into the National Honor Society. By graduation in 2021, Brooks had already made a name for himself as someone who led not with words, but with actions.

LSU and a Future in Medicine

After high school, Brooks was accepted into Louisiana State University, where he majored in Biological Sciences. He had aspirations of pursuing a career in medicine—a dream that combined his academic abilities with his desire to help others in meaningful ways.

At LSU, he joined the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, where he formed close bonds and became known as a calm, loyal friend who showed up for others even when he was quietly carrying the weight of his own responsibilities.

His Role at Southern Eye Bank

While attending LSU, Brooks also served as an Organ Recovery Technician at Southern Eye Bank in Metairie. This critical role involved recovering eye tissue from donors, facilitating corneal transplants that gave recipients the gift of sight.

His work was technical, emotional, and often unseen by the public. Yet Brooks approached it with care, professionalism, and humility. His colleagues spoke of his reliability, his emotional maturity, and his ability to handle complex tasks with both clinical precision and heartfelt compassion.

💔 A Tragic and Unexpected Loss

Brooks passed away by suicide on September 15, 2024, at just 21. His sudden loss deeply affected family, friends, colleagues, and peers.

His death revealed how even those who seem strongest on the outside may be silently struggling. Brooks was, by all appearances, thriving: succeeding in school, building strong relationships, and serving others through his job. Yet, like so many young people, he faced invisible internal battles that ultimately became overwhelming.

What Happened to Brooks Prejean?

The circumstances of Brooks’ passing remain personal to his family, but it is known that he died by suicide. His loss sparked a broader conversation on the critical need for mental health awareness, especially among students, healthcare workers, and young adults facing pressure to succeed without showing vulnerability.

His story reinforces the truth that mental health struggles can affect anyone—no matter how composed or accomplished they may seem.

A Community’s Grief and Tribute

Following his passing, tributes poured in—most notably from his former school, ESA, which honored his memory with deep respect. LSU students and fraternity brothers posted emotional messages. Coworkers at Southern Eye Bank shared memories of his dedication and warmth.

A GoFundMe campaign was established to support his family and honor his life, with hundreds of people donating in remembrance of the difference Brooks made in their lives.

A Life of Service, Even in Silence

What made Brooks special was not only what he did—but how he did it. Whether recovering tissue for a transplant, lending a hand to a fraternity brother, or quietly excelling in class, he gave his best with humility.

Brooks didn’t chase attention—his quiet actions spoke volumes. His life was guided by meaning, not applause.

The Mental Health Message We Must Embrace

Brooks’ story underscores an urgent message: success, kindness, and strength can exist alongside silent struggles. We must:

• Destigmatize mental health conversations
• Check in on friends, even those who “seem fine”
• Expand access to mental health support for students and early-career professionals
• Normalize seeking help without shame

His passing is a painful but important reminder that mental health care must be as routine and respected as physical health.

How We Can Honor Brooks’ Legacy

Honoring Brooks means choosing kindness, empathy, and meaningful action in everyday life. We can honor his life by:

• Supporting organ and tissue donation
• Funding or volunteering in mental health organizations
• Creating spaces for honest, stigma-free conversations
• Practicing empathy—especially when no one else is looking

Brooks showed us that small acts of care can change lives. Now, we carry that forward.

Final Reflections

Brooks Prejean lived with grace, empathy, and quiet strength. In just 21 years, he inspired a network of classmates, coworkers, family, and friends. His story is both a call to action and a reminder that even in silence, people can be carrying heavy burdens.

We remember Brooks not for how his life ended, but for how he lived—with integrity, purpose, and deep love for those around him.

Let his memory challenge us all: to be gentler, to listen more closely, and to honor the quiet heroes whose presence makes the world better, even if they never say a word about it.