After More Than 25 Years, Jon James to Leave the Moose Morning Show [Video]

I made the decision two weeks ago. I based that decision on several factors, not the least of which was the fact that a 3:30 am alarm never gets any easier. I've been doing it for more than 30 years. Morning radio is in my blood. But, as time goes on, so is the need for a couple extra hours sleep a night.

I gave Mac Dickson and our Market Manager, Julie Beaulieu, my 4 week notice on Martin Luther King Day. Neither of them was overly surprised. Mac knew it was coming eventually and Julie...well she's known me for a long time. She could just tell it was time for me. Both have been the absolute best supervisors I could ask for. I confided in Renee almost a year ago that a change was coming. She's been with me continuously for most of my time here.

Also, I would be remiss if I didn't mention a man who has been a HUGE part of my life...both work-wise and friend-wise...recently retired, Al Perry. Many people reading this will know who he is. I am blessed to have him in my life and love him dearly.

I have two businesses: TheVoiceGuy.net and American Women who Bear Arms, which is a partnership with great local businessman, Roger Pomerleau. When I'm not at the radio station I'm in my studio at home working on commercials or the website.

I have lost some of the passion for doing what I do only because there's never any time for me to do much, especially spend time with my aging dad or my grandson, let alone my wife, Marie-Anne, who also works very hard.

It's a catch-22. If I put all my effort in to one thing, the other(s) fail. I don't like to fail. I love my job at Townsquare Media, I love the people, I'll miss the routine (except for the 3:30 wake-up).

Unlike major markets (Boston, New York, etc.), radio in an area like Augusta/Waterville is more personal. More neighborly. I know so many of our listeners and count you as real, flesh and blood, friends. That's something you can never replace and one reason I will never regret staying in one place for so long.

As I say in the video, I was never asked to leave...it was never recommended that I step down by anyone here and I was NOT fired. This decision is all me with the help and support of Marie Anne, who I am so very thankful for.

Finally, you will hear from me. I will, in some what, haunt the airwaves of 92 Moose. This has been my home since November 24th, 1990, less than an hour after my daughter was born. Her birth and my excellent Lamaze coaching was the first thing I ever talked about. The first song I payed was Cher's "Just Like Jesse James." On that cold Saturday morning at 9am, when The Moose was in the Casco Bank Building on Memorial Circle, Mac Dickson (then Bruce Mainerd) had re-worked the song so it said: (Cher)"Just like" (group shout) "Jon James."

Now, 25+ years later, maybe it'll be the last song I play (my last day is February 12th). It's going to be a fun and different show. I hope you'll be here!