It is with deep sadness that I share with you the passing of Jim Condon, our longtime Executive Director.

State Rep. Colchester 9-1 James O’Neill Condon, a seven-term legislator, longtime Burlington radio journalist and executive director of the Vermont Association of Broadcasters, died at the Vermont Respite House on August 23 after a brave fight with cancer.  He leaves his wife, Virginia McGehee Condon and their son, Thomas Laird Condon, a senior at Syracuse University.

Born on May 19, 1958 in New London, Connecticut, Jim began his career in the area and was hired by Hall Communications in Norwich, Ct.  In 1984, he became the news director at Hall’s Burlington stations WJOY-AM/WQCR-FM, where he met Ginny.  They married and moved to Colchester in 1993.

Jim and Louie Manno, his lifelong friend and longtime collaborator, first teamed up at a station in Mystic, Ct.  In 1986, Louie came to WQCR, and Burlington’s legendary news-and-nonsense morning-drive team was born.  They moved to WKDR, and with Mark Johnson, led a team that bought the station.  Later, they operated The Radio Deli on Pearl Street.  Jim served as president of the Vermont Associated Press Broadcasters Association and was named Vermont AP Newscaster and Sportscaster of the Year.

As a lawmaker, Jim was known for his willingness to cross the aisle to reach consensus.  In April, he wrote in the Colchester Sun, “Whoever runs to take my place, I just hope they’re independent thinkers and that they act in the best interest of the residents of our district as opposed to the best interests of their political party.”

Jim loved fatherhood, the Red Sox, University of Connecticut basketball (his alma mater), horse racing and genealogy.  In July, he and Ginny spent a week in Ireland, and saw many of the sites that were part of his family-history record.

Jim is also survived by five siblings and nine-siblings-in-law: Tom and Anne Condon of West Hartford, Ct., Pat Condon and David Duranti of New London, Ct., Deirdre Wyeth of New York City, Garret and Dari Condon of West Hartford, Ct., Brian Condon of New London, Ct., Sherri V. Condon of New London, Ct., Sarah and John Komisin of Charlotte, N.C., Ted and Beverly McGehee of Baton Rouge, La., and Edward McGehee of Boston, Mass.  He also was blessed with many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held on Friday, October 12^th at the Elley-Long Music Center of St. Michael’s College at Fort Ethan Allen in Colchester from 4pm to 7:30pm.  Donations may be made to the VNA of Chittenden and Grand Isle Counties.