The broadcasting world has lost one of its pillars. Ron James of Steinbach, who was on air for 34 years at Golden West, passed away Tuesday at the age of 72.

Lyndon Friesen, president of Golden West, says James brought a unique style to his work.

ron james grain rush
Ron with his wife Linda at a Grain Rush event with Golden West radio station, AM1250"He was the most gentle of people that you could imagine and that flowed through to the radio. He had a, sort of, pastoral character in his delivery and I think he'll be remembered especially for that caring kind of companion voice that he was able to bring to the radio and to his life."

Friesen notes James came to Golden West in 1975 from one of the big radio stations in Winnipeg and was a mentor to many young broadcasters in the company.

"He brought that extreme talent and gift and really helped us grow our sound over all these years. He's one of the pillar voices that, because of all the time that he spent with us and the nature of his delivery, he became a personal close friend to all of the listeners. And, he was everybody's friend. He worked in the community, he worked in the church, in fact, the whole community of that time was impacted by Ron's involvement and his gift to the community. We just really enjoyed working with him every day that he was here and we're delighted that he was part of our group for all these years. "

James retired from Golden West in January, 2009. He is survived by his wife Linda, two sons and their families.

A memorial service will take place Monday afternoon at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Steinbach.