Jim Gandy Biography
Jim Gandy is a retired American television meteorologist, most noted for his time with CBS affiliate WLTX since 1999. He was News 19’s Chief Meteorologist with four decades of experience in meteorology to help the University of South Carolina.
Jim Gandy Education
Gandy graduated with a degree in Meteorology from Florida State and started his television career in 1975 at WREG-TV in Memphis. The University of South Carolina says Jim has left quite the legacy on the school.
Jim Gandy Career
Gandy joined News 19 Chief Meteorologist December 31, 1999, making Columbia television history for the new millennium in the process. He has since become known as South Carolina’s Weatherman.
Gandy’s first job was with the Center for Storm Research in Houston, Texas. In 1975, Jim joined WREG-TV in Memphis as the first meteorologist ever to appear regularly on television in that city.
In 1977, Jim moved to Oklahoma City to join the meteorology staff of KTVY-TV (now KFOR-TV). Five years later, Gandy joined the consulting firm WeatherData, Inc. in Wichita, where he served as Director of Technical Operations, providing weather forecasts for the Kansas State Network.
In June of 1984, he joined WIS-TV in Columbia as Chief Meteorologist. During his 14-year tenure, Gandy became well known for his forecast of Hurricane Hugo, his coverage of the 1993 superstorm, and the Lexington County tornado outbreak in 1994.
In 1998, Gandy joined Gannett Television, where he worked as a meteorological consultant with the weather staffs of the company’s 22-station broadcast group.
He is a member of the American Meteorological Society, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the National Weather Association, the American Geophysical Union and the Planetary Society.
Jim Gandy WLTX Retirement
After a long and distinguished 45 years as a broadcast meteorologist, Jim Gandy has ended his illustrious career, as he retired from the industry on May 30, 2019. He appeared on his his final broadcasts, delivering a forecast to viewers as he’s done countless times over the years.
“It has been an honor and privilege to broadcast important weather information to the Midlands for the past third of a century,” said Gandy. “You have always received my best efforts as I have tried to bring the best forecasts possible.”
The night was made extra special as he got several honors, including from the National Weather Service, the South Carolina Emergency Management, the key to the city of Columbia from Mayor Steve Benjamin, and the Order of the Palmetto, the state’s highest civilian honor. If you weren’t able to watch our broadcast, we’l posting highlights of the evening below.
Jim Gandy Returns to WLTX
The longtime weatherman from Columbia declared his intention to rejoin WLTX temporarily, covering for someone on family leave.
“I will be returning to the air beginning today for the 5,6,7 & 11 weather. This is a temporary assignment, but I don’t have an end date yet,” he wrote. “I will be filling in while one of the staff is on family leave. You may see me in Gandy’s Garden as well. Lots to do. #WLTX”
Jim Gandy Awards and Recognitions
In 1985, he was awarded the American Meteorologist Society’s Seal of Approval for weathercasting and in 2009 became a Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM) becoming the first CBM in the Columbia area. In 1993, The State newspaper named Gandy Best TV Weather Forecaster, and “Columbia Metropolitan Magazine” named him Best TV Weather Personality for five consecutive years.
In 2004, the South Carolina Broadcasters Association presented Jim with the Masters Award. The award has only been given to 12 South Carolina broadcasters and Gandy was the first meteorologist to receive the award.
Jim Gandy is listed in Who’s Who in the South and Southwest, Who’s Who in Science and Technology, Who’s Who in America, and Who’s Who in the World. He has won four regional Emmy Awards and is the recipient of the Silver Circle Award from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.
Jim Gandy Age
Gandy likes to keep his personal life private hence it is not known which year or month he was born. It is therefore not known when he celebrates his birthday.
Jim Gandy Height
He stands at an estimated height of about 5 feet 10 inches tall.
Jim Gandy Family
Gandy is a private person, he has not revealed any details about his parents nor if he has any siblings.
Jim Gandy Wife
Jim is a married man, and after his retirement, Jim and his wife Ann have multiple trips already planned and look forward to spending some quality time in their mountain home.
Jim Gandy Salary
Having worked for 45-year as a meteorologist, there is no doubt Jim has earned a good amount of salary and was able to accumulate a good fortune.
Jim Gandy Net Worth
Gandy has an estimated net worth of about $1 million to $5 million.