Yesterday the Record Searchlight newsroom heard the news that Jim Dyar, the Record Searchlight’s D.A.T.E. editor for eight years, is quitting.
What a loss for the Record Searchlight. What a loss for readers. What a loss for the community.
What a good thing for Jim.
I can’t believe he hung on this long, given the grind and increasing stress load of his position. He did an incredible job putting out the D.A.T.E. section every week in the middle of a pressure-cooker environment, shrinking resources and disappearing staff. Mind you, these are my personal observations from my years at the paper with Jim.
Jim is one of those guys who lights up a room, who speaks his mind, laughs easily and hugs freely. He’s got a sharp wit and a soft heart. He’s other-oriented and self-deprecating. He’s one of the sweetest, most compassionate guys I’ve ever met. He’s got all the traits that make a good journalist: he listens more than he talks, he asks great questions and keeps asking until he gets it right. And then he puts it in words. With feeling.
Speaking of words, here’s what Jim shared with me this morning, and said it was OK to share with you:
“I’m quitting to pursue some personal projects, including music (my band is playing Saturday night at the Vintage Wine Bar) and writing. I plan to stay in the area and I’m looking forward to having some time to relax and figure out the next step. I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to connect with readers in the north state and I want to remain a part of the burgeoning cultural scene here.”
Join me in wishing Jim success and peace in his new life venture. He deserves it.
The times they are a-changin’, Jim. You’re up. We’re cheering for you.
