Jim grew up in Lindsay, Oklahoma, in the heart of tornado alley, to which he credits his life-long fascination with weather. He has witnessed five tornadoes in his lifetime, but complains that now he doesn't even get to look out the window when it's stormy because of all the radars and hi-tech weather equipment that keep him busy during severe weather.

The oldest of five siblings, Jim is unabashedly crazy about his six nieces and nephews. He graduated with honors in 1985 from East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma. His broadcasting career began in 1981 at KADA-AM Radio. He was a disc jockey for two years, before being named news director. Jim began his television career at Ada's KTEN-TV in 1983. He joined KXAN in November 1990 as the first weather anchor for News 36 Firstcast. In 1993 he moved to the weeknight newscast, where he can be seen today.

Jim has received many awards while at KXAN. He most recently was named Austin's Best Weathercaster by the Austin Chronicle, an honor he has twice received. He won the Texas Associated Press "Best Weathercast" award three times, in 1998, 1997 and 1990. Jim received national attention in 1995, winning the National Weather Association's "Weathercaster of the Year" award. Jim's coverage of the Jarrell tornado brought him international attention, and much local praise. His warnings were the first on the air, and were credited with saving lives during that incredible tornado outbreak May 27, 1997.

He does have interests other than weather. Football officiating is one of Jim's passions. He is a line judge and a member of the Texas Association of Sports Officials. He has officiated high school football games since 1981. His favorite officiating experiences include refereeing for the Dallas Cowboys during training camp and his 1999 playoff game in the Astrodome. He also enjoys boating on Lake Travis and spending time in any tropical climate.

Jim is very involved in community and charitable organizations. He hosts Weather Wednesday Summer Camp for children each year and speaks to thousands more at area schools about severe weather safety. Each year Jim co-hosts the Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon for the Muscular Dystrophy Association and volunteers much of his time for MDA. Jim also serves on the community advisory board for the Helping Hand Home for Children and has served on the advisory council for the Travis County Retired and Senior Volunteer Program. He is also a spokesperson for the ARC of the Capital Area, an organization dedicated to helping area residents with developmental disabilities, and he has been a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for abused and neglected children of Travis County.

Jim holds the National Weather Association's Seal of Approval and is an Associate Member of the American Meteorological Society.

Send E-mail to Jim Spencer.