Former ‘Today’ Host Jim Hartz Passes Away At 82

Americans in the mid-1970s frequently spent their mornings with Jim Hartz and Barbara Walters. Hartz was there to cover some of the most pivotal events in American history. Jim and Barbara’s stint with the CBS morning show saw them break news on the Nixon resignation, the end of the Vietnam War, and the United States’ bicentennial celebration in 1976. Sadly, Jim Hartz has passed away due to complications with COPD.

Deadline reports that Hartz’s wife, Alexandra Dixon Hartz, broke the news. Jim was 82 years old. Those who remember watching him each day were saddened to lose him.

Jim Hartz was a native of Tulsa, Oklahoma. His soft delivery and cadence made him a familiar, comfortable television presenter. After hosting local television in Tulsa, he made the jump to New York, where he joined WNBC for their local evening newscasts.

Eventually, he became the anchor at WNBC. When Today was looking for a new co-host, executives knew Jim was a natural fight. The pairing with Walters was a part of the morning routine for millions.

Tom Brokaw was brought in to replace Jim in 1976. He remained on the show briefly as a roving affiliate. Later in his career, Jim Hartz worked for PBS. Later in life, he chaired the Roy Rogers Memorial Commission, a historical preservation group.

Jim Hartz is survived by his wife Alexandra, two daughters, six grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. His son John passed in 2015. Everyone at Thirsty is keeping Jim, his family, his friends, and his loved ones in our thoughts on this difficult day.