James G. Batson

Jim Batson, lifetime Radio and Television Professional, has come to the end of the broadcast day. Jim passed peacefully into the next life Nov 27, 2015 and is now reunited with Family and Friends. Visitation will be Saturday Dec 5 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Rd, Abilene. The Family is planning to have a private memorial service at a later date. James Gaile Batson was born in Houston, TX on September 11, 1929 to the late G.R. and Zora Batson. He attended schools in Houston, Madisonville and Texas City, Texas where he graduated from Central High School in 1948. During this time he survived the Texas City Explosion and set the Texas High School record in the 100 yard dash. Jim used to wink and say “9.6 seconds-that’s fast for a white boy.” He also started work at KTLW Radio in Texas City. While a student at the University of Texas at Austin, he was drafted into the U.S. Army. He served 9 months on the front lines in the Iron Triangle in Korea as a Tank Commander in the 73rd Tank Battalion, 7th Infantry division, receiving the Bronze Star and a Presidential Unit Citation. He refused a battlefield commission and mustered out at Ft. Sam Houston in April of 1953. He then returned to broadcasting at KNUZ-TV, the first UHF station west of the Mississippi, in Houston. Desiring to finish his degree, he enrolled at Abilene Christian College (now University), where he met the love of his life-Jenny Lou Appleton of Tulia, Texas. They were married in Abilene on August 12, 1955 and remained devoted to each other for 60 years. Jim’s broadcasting career spanned over 50 years and many markets in addition to Houston: Abilene, Amarillo, Austin, Lubbock, Midland-Odessa, San Angelo, San Antonio, Waco. One could say he was a Texas Broadcaster. He also had a special friendship with Bob Hope and they had many good times. Together they raised millions of dollars for charities in Texas, including the Rehab Center in Abilene (Joint Venture for Crippled Children Banquet) and the Bob Hope School for Children in Pt. Arthur, TX which named its welcome center the “Jim & Jenny Batson Reception Center” in honor of his work. Jim “retired” in 1998 as Vice President and General Manager of KRBC/KACB TV. He stayed active as a broadcast acquisition consultant until health issues ended these activities. A lifelong boater-Sea Scout, Jim was always on the lookout for a good deal on a boat. He also was a fantastic Steak griller and those who ate one of his special steaks will never have one better. In fact, between Jim and Jenny, their guests never ate better food anywhere-or as much of it! Jim was a lifelong member of the Church of Christ and a Mason. In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded to the next life by a beloved older sister, Martha Lou Batson Stephens and her Husband Bill. He is survived by wife Jenny, and children Mark (Karen) Batson of Abilene, Jennifer (Dan) Kessel of Alto, TX, Michelle (Barry) Cromer of El Paso, and Monte (Shannon) Batson of North Attleboro, MA. Six grandchildren and four great grandchildren, Brother-in law Dr. J.T. (Tim) Appleton (Linda) of Lubbock. Special people Ronnie Stephens of Houston and Frank Sheffield of Abilene and a host of friends. In Lieu of flowers the Family request donations be made to Southern Hills Church of Christ who faithfully brought communion to Jim or Rescue the Animals of Abilene. The Family wishes to thank the staff at Covenant Place of Abilene and Renew Home Health Care for their special service to Jim. Online condolences may be made at www.hamilfamilyfuneralhome.com. “I shall be telling this with a sigh Somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference”