“Beacon of hope,” “leader” and “good friend” were some of the words that were used to describe James “Jim” Washington during his celebration of life last week. The General Manager of “The Atlanta Voice” died at 73 after a long battle with cancer.
Many gathered at Elizabeth Baptist Church in Southwest Atlanta to say farewell to the long-time journalist during a homegoing filled with singing, laughing, and crying.
“Washington was many things to many people but one thing is for sure that he was never a man of few words,” said Patrick Washington, CEO and Co-Publisher of “The Dallas Weekly” and Washington’s son.
During his long career, Washington worked in many communication industry positions.
From a professor at Tennessee State University and Paul Quinn College to news director at KALO radio station in Little Rock, Ark., to PR Specialist for the American Heart Association, before co-founding Focus Communications and acquiring “The Dallas Weekly” in 1980.
He was also the author of the book Spiritually Speaking: Reflections for and from a New Christian, which gives spiritual insight into the new Christian and answers questions like “why me.” He understands the answer is and always has been “why, not you.”
He was a member of several journalism organizations including the Texas Publishing Association, the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) and the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ).
“[Washington] was a man who loved hard, who worked hard and yes he played,” said Toni Draper, Board Chair of Word in Black and Publisher and CEO of the Afro-American Newspapers.
Washington married his wife, Janis Ware, publisher of The Atlanta Voice, in 2003. Their passion for the Black press brought them together as not only life partners but also business partners.
Robert Bogle, President and CEO of “The Philadelphia Tribune,” credited himself for bringing the two of them together which was immediately followed by laughs inside the sanctuary.
“I know for a fact that the older anyone gets, the more value they place on time. Spending it wisely becomes more than a trite phrase.”
James Washington, “Spiritually Speaking.”
Washington’s son Patrick spoke on the family’s behalf and expressed appreciation for the love and support of so many people.
“On behalf of the Ware/Washington family, ‘The Atlanta Voice,’ newspaper, Voice News Network and especially from my mom Janis Ware like to extend my deepest gratitude to all of you for joining us today for the legacy of our beloved Jim Washington,” Patrick said.
He added that his father possessed an unparalleled gift of conversation and was always ready with a story of wisdom to share.
“For me, he was an inspiration as well; his guidance and his unwavering support shifted me into the person that I am today, and for that, I’m forever grateful,” Patrick said.
The Washington family asks for donations to “The Atlanta Voice” in his honor.
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