Jim Kincaid RIP
By Ken Falkenstein | Monday, July 18th, 2011 | Virginia
Jim Kincaid, former anchorman for WVEC, the local ABC affiliate in Hampton Roads, has died from a heart attack. He was 76.
Kincaid had a long and distinguished career, including being shot down in a helicopter during the Vietnam War and suffering a broken back. He was anchorman for WVEC from 1978-97, during which he delivered the news with a rare objectivity, integrity, and intellectual honesty.
During the Gulf War, when I was a student at Old Dominion University, I recruited Kincaid to deliver a lecture on the rights and responsibilities of the news media in a time of war. At his request, I picked him up at his home in Norfolk in my beat up old Ford Escort and drove him to campus, where, in true college student fashion, we treated him to a cup of coffee in the cafeteria prior to his speech. I enjoyed talking with him and found him to be not only extremely knowledgeable but disarmingly candid. I asked him if he believed the news media had a liberal bias, and without hesitation, he replied, “God, yes.” At another point in the conversation, I asked him his opinion of Dan Rather, who was then the anchor of the CBS Evening News. Kincaid’s verbatim response, which I will never forget, was “Dan’s an ass.”
At the designated time, Kincaid got up, walked into the lecture hall, which was standing-room only, and gave a speech that captivated every person in attendance.
Jim Kincaid harkened back to a time when reporters focused on reporting the news as it is and not shaping the news to conform with the reporter’s personal agenda or worldview. He was a true professional in a field that became less professional overall during his tenure. Journalism needs more people like Jim Kincaid, and he will be missed.
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About the author
Ken Falkenstein has been a staffer in the United States Senate and the Virginia House of Delegates. He has managed political campaigns. He was a military intelligence analyst in the U.S. Army in West Germany during the Cold War. He is currently a civil litigation attorney with Poole Mahoney, P.C. in Virginia Beach. But his concern for his kids' future is what most informs his writing.
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Comments
9 Responses to "Jim Kincaid RIP"
I met Jim at a book signing when he first published “Notes On Politics From Down The Road Apiece”. His demeanor, voice and charm reminded me in many ways of Ronald Reagan. I asked him once why he didn’t run for political office and being typical Jim he said “I am much better reporting the news than becoming the news”. That familiar calm and soothing voice will be missed by many with the passing of this great and wonderful icon who was a familiar voice in our community for so long. A prayer for the family and may God rest his soul.
We no longer live in the area but I remember watching Jim on 13 News. I also met him at a book signing at Riverside Hospital at the ADA meeting. He was a very nice man, I liked his wit and he will be missed by all. RIP Jim. I wish his family well.
I was sorry to read of Jim’s passing. As a tribute, I took out my signed copy of “Notes To My Friends” from 1982 at the Langley AFB Exchange signing, and read a few pages. His calm, reassuring voice still sounded the same, since it was written exactly like he spoke. May he rest in peace, and his family be proud they knew and loved such a man.
Jim and I grew up together, living as neighbors at Dover Arkansas. We went to school together until he moved into Russellville, where he finished high school. We lost contact over the years bur family contacts with our parents kept us in contact. I know he will be missed by his family and friends. He was truely a great man.
What a great guy and a great reporter. RIP Mr. Kincaid, well done.
Thank you.
Catherine
I called my mom in Newport News and she told me of Mr. Kincaid’s passing. I am saddened by the loss of him. My family watched him for years. I have special memories of watching Ch. 13 news with my dad. Also, for an English class, we had to write a report on an author, and I chose Mr. Kincaid because I wanted to be a journalist. I called the station, thinking I would get his secretary or some assistant, and Mr. Kincaid answered the phone and didn’t hang up before opening time in his schedule for me to come in. We talked about his book (1986 or so), him knowing Ted Koppel, and Viet Nam. I never forgot his encouragement and kindness. You know, I’m no conservative, quite the opposite, a proud Obama-supporting Democrat; the great thing about Mr. Kincaid, while being a conservative, you never knew. You just knew he was good and doing the job. A role model.
Another liberal here who admired and respected Mr Kincaid and his work. He will be sadly missed, and not forgotten.
Jim Kincaid was a great Newsman i did not know he had passed untill I saw his sweet wife on TV this morning I am very saddened by his passing am sure he is happy in his new home RIP Jim.
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