At 61 years old I have literally watched Jim Gardner my entire adult life. All I can say is that his successor has huge shoes to fill! Jim is the news voice of Philadelphia! Sorry to see you go but enjoy retirement! Well deserved!
“Im Jim Gardner, Goodnight” Man… that last signoff hit differently. I’m only 23 but this man was the voice of my childhood. Hearing 6ABC in the background while I make dinner after work will no longer be the same. Happy retirement King, you deserve it
I'm 44...moved away from Philly for 22 yrs..hearing Jim Gardner told me that I'm back home..like I never left...Jim is baked in my childhood and my way of life watching the news...his last comments really were profound and so true..happy retirement Jim🙏🏽🥲🤍☺️
When we think of Philadelphia there are three things that come to mind, the second is Rocky Balboa, the third is Cheesesteaks, but theres only one that comes to mind and that's Jim Gardner. He is by far the iconic voice of 6abc Action News and for all of Philadelphia. We the People will miss you Jim, have a great retirement and have a Happy Holiday!
JG had an offer to go national after Peter Jennings stepped down. He declined. Wanted to stay in Philly. Good luck, Jim. We love you. A constant in an everchanging world.
I hope everybody will pass on his speech about the importance of the freedom of press and what our founding fathers warned us of because this was the most important thing he has done in his career and who knows how long he waited and waited knowing he has to wait for the right moment to warn us ... the gentleman said it so eloquently and definitely has his eyes and ears open that's for certain . That was an act of true patriotism .
I moved to Los Angeles California 13 years ago but I grew up In Philadelphia. I’m pretty sure that Jim Gardner is my earliest memory as child watching TV with my mom. I grew up watching and trusting Jim’s reporting and I wish him all the best in the world.
A living legend gracefully leaves us today with words of evergreen wisdom. Thank you for being the face of honest and comprehensive news for more than 4 decades, Jim.
I think his speech about the freedom of the press and what our founding fathers warned us of was the most important thing he's done in his career and I think it is so brave of him to do it while he still had the chance and all eyes were on him . I wonder for how long he had wanted to speak up about that and I'm so glad he did
Thank you, WPVI, for making Jim’s final broadcast available via streaming. I moved away from Philadelphia years ago but remember Jim fondly and was happy to be able to watch.
One more person who watched Jim as a kid and always liked his style and delivery of the news. I moved away in my 20's, but so glad his career led him to Presidents and so many places! Thanks for all the years Jim!! Pure Class!
Elegant and brilliant final few words. Jim Gardner something all journalists should aspire to be. A man who delivered the news as it happened and not biased. Something that is lost today on most broadcasters. Well Done Jim enjoy the next chapter.
Jim is right and going out on a strong note. He mentioned the attack we are under not by outside forces but by enemies from within our government. Thanks, Jim
I'm so proud of him speaking out and saying that ... I have to wonder for how long he wanted to say those words . I always adored him but now he's one of my heroes
Been watching Jim since he came on board to ABC. The voice of Philadelphia, a gentleman of journalism and a model to follow for future journalist. Wish him the very best on his retirement as he will be truly missed.
Philadelphia has been very fortunate to have incredible talent, both past and present, to inform the public about the news, not even counting the entertainment. Channel 6 and its former radio station are at the forefront of it. Jim Gardner retiring is sad but it's also a celebration that he did what he did for so long. Philadelphia is the better for him being here. Rick Williams and Brian Taft will both rise to the challenge. And I'll take a moment to acknowledge their competitor Ukee Washington at Channel 3 who himself is an amazing newsman. Again, Philadelphia is blessed with amazing talent giving the news. But let's take comfort that he's not only trained his colleagues to be the best they can be, but also his competitors. Everyone wins, and Jim did it by simply being himself. May we all learn from him.
Yes your last sentence and may we all learn from him because guess what we will learn more from him as he has a podcast called MORE TO EXPLORE with JIM GARDNER .
Very intelligent and very prepared every broadcast. I went overseas when i was in the army. I,It was in the late 1970's no internet, and when i returned home in June 1979, I realized how much I really enjoyed action News. Sounds crazy, but I sure will miss Jim Gardners intelligence and being able to stand on any stage with anybody! God Speed. Thanks for sharing philly from a delaware guy!
I’ve been looking online and there was a Phila online publication (behind a paywall) that stated that Jim’s last newscast garnered better ratings than the Superbowl viewership in Philadelphia last year.
Take Care Jim! I've grown up watching you on channel 6 action news, I'm 43 years old now. You are truly one of the last real journalists. Thanks Jim for the years of service to the people of the Delaware Valley. ❤☮
Well being 45 years old and watching jim since I can remember I’m sad but happy for him there will be no other like jim I’ll be lost watching ch 6 with out jim but that’s my channel!!! Jim nothing but best wishes and thank you for being in my family’s house on tv !
I grew up with Jim since I was 7 in '77 till the early aughts when I still had cable. So glad for RU-vid to see this final sign off. Jim will always be the voice of Philly News 👍
Now he has a podcast called MORE TO EXPLORE WITH JIM GARDNER . You can get that on your cell phone without necessarily having internet if you have a cell phone .
Wow I was 4 years old when he started. Remember as far as back when I was 7 hearing his voice on the news which in my house had to be on everyday at 6 in the living room on our black and white TV. Over many decades my mom continued to watch him even up till her last days on earth. This man was like apart of our family. When he was on the house had to be quiet. He was my mom’s favorite and because we were force to watch him we grew up on him and have grown to love him. We enjoyed watching him over the many years as tv turned from black and white to Color. We will always love you Jim Gardner.
Congratulations Jim Gardner, you have raised me and i’ve always looked forward to watching you and the news team! There goes that news van again! You have done an amazing job and i will miss you. God bless you and your family and the news team.
We love you Jim!!!! I moved to Virginia in 2011 I am now 31 and have been watching you with my grandparents since I could remember. I am a member of the Chincoteague Fire company your words over the years have inspired me. In high school I was on our morning announcements team being the lead and the sportscaster you gave me the strength to do that enjoy your retirement. Go Eagles!
There are a few people in our lives that we feel like ‘will always be there’ and can’t imagine our lives without them in it. Jim is one of those people for so many of us. You’ll be sorely missed as you take some well deserved time for yourself and those you love. Thank you, for your concern, time and excellent work. All the best~
I first moved back to Philly in the fall of 1989 and I like my grandfather he had his favorite news anchor, I developed mine "Jim Gardner" which I watched many times on Action News Wpvi6. Then one I happened to walk into a little pub the Bala Inn and there was the Man Jim Garner I introduced myself told to Jim and told the bartender to give Jim and drink on me scotch. I would see Jim on other occasions and even shot a few games of pool whenever I saw Jim he was always pleasant and approachable and that being that Jim thank you for the time you share throughout the years. You became our hometown voice may you be Blessed with many more wonderful years and memories. Happy Retirement.🎄🥂
So PROUD of you , Jim Gardner , speaking out on behalf of the FREEDOM of the PRESS and WARNING us that the threat is coming from within and even from OUR OWN GOVERNMENT ( at 4:46 ) I'm proud that you spoke of Our Founding Fathers . I wonder , for how long it was you wanted to say those words but knew you had to wait til this moment . Thank you for being so brave and leaving this final message of your broadcast career at ABC News Philadelphia . I always adored you , but now you're one of my HEROES . May God bless you and your family .
Wow, Jim Gardner has been 'round since '76 or '77 with Action News, with Rob Jennings, Jim O'Brian, Marc Howard, Lisa Thomas Laury, to name a few!!! He was the official voice of Action News since then, he'll be missed, Rick Williams is tryin' to talk and sound like Jim Gardner, no contest, Buddy!!! Happy Retirement Mr. Jim Action News Gardner!!!👍👍😎😎
So thankful I got to watch you report on local news until I moved to the Midwest in 1993! You did an amazing job for so many years. I was a fan and you guys lead the pack! I'm 67 now and live in Portland, OR. Enjoy your golden years. You have certainly earned them!
Thank you Jim, I can remember watching you with my mom when she was still around. I’m 29 now and you’ve always been a main stay for the city of Philadelphia and will be truly missed. All good things must come to an end, enjoy your retirement and thank you Jim
I grew up with Jim Gardner, Gary Papa, and Dave Roberts. They were and always will be the our trio. They were a part of our routine growing up. We will miss you too Jim.
@@GloopTrekker yep that was the original lineup from what I recall after Jim Gardner came on board but I think Jim O'Brien was here before Jim Gardner from what I recall ... ?
I grew up in the Philadelphia area and was an undergrad in West Philly when Jim Gardner started at Action News. Though I moved to other cities since then, Jim remains my favorite newscaster. He was the consummate professional. I particularly enjoyed his camaraderie with the late Jim O’Brian-the funniest weatherman ever to grace the airwaves. Gardner’s heartfelt tribute to O’Brian after his skydiving death brought tears to my eyes. I miss Philadelphia. Maybe I’ll move back there.
Yep I remember all that how great it was when those two were joking around and how ungodly it was French and O'Brien died and nobody could believe it that Saturday afternoon in late September . I moved out of the Philadelphia area over 15 years ago everybody says the crime and the congestion is worse than ever before .
A Philly legend who saw many come and go. You will be missed but have many who wish you nothing but the best! Whenever I travel and watch other news stations my first thought is how lucky we are to have actual reporting. First rate team in Philly!
born in 1988, i grew up with jim gardner, cecily tynan, gary papa, peter jennings, and alex trebek - all regulars in my kitchen. every time there is another departure or passing, i feel my heart break a little more and its hard to not feel like another part of my youth has slipped away. wish we could keep these icons forever ⭐️
Happy retirement Jim. I grew up watching you with my grandparents so this is a very sad moment in the news field, but you have earned it. Wishing you well, Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
Good luck and thank you for your reporting, production of programs, and a friend on the telly to our TriState community Jim z Gardner. May your retirement be healthy, enlightening, fun and peaceful. Enjoy the time with your family and friends. We will all miss you, but you will not be forgotten, as well as the rest of the stellar action news team I've known since 1980 (three year old toddler who loved and still lovess the theme song). Suerte! Stay safe all. Peace.
I live in New Mexico now but I grew up with Jim over 50 years only news person U can always trust good lucky in your new indeavers a truly a legend. Thanks Jim for many years of reliability.
I'm from Baltimore but anytime I ever visited the Jersey shore or the city of Philadelphia I always tuned in to channel 6 Action news to watch Jim Gardner. God bless you Jim,....wishing you all the best for a very happy retirement!
Thank you Jim, I grew up watching you most of my life , you will be missed by the thousands that love you and the diligent work you performed on a weekly basis. ❤ Pierre
I moved here , Toms River, N.J. from North Jersey and discovered Jim to my delight. A Gentleman above all and so refreshing. A rea intelligent l newscaster. I shall miss you greatly. God Bless and Good Health. regret missing your last show but fortunately caught this replay. All the best.
I was 9 years old when Jim Gardner cone onto the news , and i remember him through out the years . Yhank you for the years of the trust and being part of the family. Many well wishes to you and your family . Many Blessings .
Here in NYC, there's a broadcaster on WNBC-TV by the name of Chuck Scarborough. His tenure is very similar in length to Jim's time in Philadelphia. I got to grow up seeing some great anchors deliver the news in a way that will never be duplicated. Mr. Gardner, I must say this. As a youngster who remembers watching you every time I visited my grandparents in Reading, Pennsylvania back in the 80's and 90's, you will be missed by this man from The Bronx.❤
Happy Retirement Jim you're the 🐐! I want to wish you the best of luck so thank you for the all the great times in Philly on Channel 6 so farewell to you Jim!!!!!
I am 21 years old, and I, as well as many generations of children who grew up in Philly and the suburbs, grew up watching Jim Gardner on 6ABC nearly every day of my life. It's been a year and this news station still isn't the same without him. This man is a legend in the city of Philadelphia, South Jersey, and Northern Delaware. This is a voice I will never forget. There needs to be an annual festival about this man in the city of Philadelphia.
Watched Jim every night as a kid of 10 years old, growing up into adulthood, in North Philly. Even met him in the park across the street from my house during a broadcast. I'm a 55yo woman now. Man, how time flies! He is a legend of journalism and will be so sorely missed! Thank you for your service, Sir! 💗
I am 60, watched Jim Gardner most of my life, I have moved to NC in 1997 but I too watched this goodbye with tears in my eyes. Good luck to you Jim. Thanks for being a constant in our lives
I will miss you Jim. You have been a staple of TV local news my entire life. I wish you luck and love on your new retirement and hope you have a fantastic life.
Among Philly's three local news organizations, I've always felt that 6abc is the one that has the least amount of fluff. Plus they had Jim Gardner. Always confident, but not obnoxious. Always serious, but not humorless. And ALWAYS devoted to reporting the news honestly, with zero personal or political agenda. He will be sorely missed.
A class act he will be missed! My parents growing up only watched channel 6 news and while I don’t watch often it was always channel 6 . I’ll never forget his tearful remarks when Jim O’Brian passed in a skydiving accident or Gary pappa death and the retirement of Dave Roberts .
I am so proud of you Jim Gardner speaking the truth about the importance of the freedom of the press and how we have to watch for losing our freedoms from within . I'm so proud of you for being brave to speak about this and what our founding fathers wanted and what they said about the importance of the freedom of the press . Of all the things you have said and done in your career here in Philly , this was the most important ... your heartfelt and Powerful speech just now about the importance of the freedom of the press and the truth in Media . I have to wonder for how long you had wanted to say those words . I'm glad you said spoke out so bravely and eloquently . I hope everybody will watch this . Thank you so much Jim Gardner for worrying about our future and the future generations .
best wishes ♥ i grew up watching Jim and I always knew the news was coming on when I heard Jim! Good luck in everything you do! You deserve the best!!!
Something very subtle that felt so right and respectful is that Ducis Rodgers and Cecily Tynan were right there aside him but gave Jim Gardner the well-deserved honor of having the stage to himself. In a large city it’s very rare for someone of his stature to be so humble, but this is Philadelphia, we do things differently here and we’re proud of that.
I am now 48 years old ad when I was a young girl everytime I heard the theme for the channel 6 news and then Jim Gardner’s voice I knew it was time for dinner. I still to this day get a warm feeling when I hear both Jim’s voice and that theme song and it brings me right back to my childhood. Thank you Jim for many, many years of having dinner with me and my parents, enjoy your retirement and you WILL be missed so much ❤
That legendary and timeless classic Action News theme really always fits Jim Gardner so well and so is its lyrics (hence, the title "Move Closer To Your World").
I was a 14yr old Catholic School girl when Jim Gardner was with the Pope in 1979. It meant a lot to me and i loved watching him over all of these years. And thankyou and all the others over the years for the PROFESSIONALISM that seems to be missing nowadays. We will miss you Jim!
a legend.. i remember watching him when i was 9 or 10 yrs old.. he will never be forgotten... what a great guy... he deserves to retire... but its so sad...
Sad farewell to a living legend! Jim, you fulfilled your mission with abundant grace, professional and integrity. Thank you for decades of honest, transparent reporting. Your protégé has HUGE shoes to fill! You will be greatly missed! I wish you joy and peace for this Holiday Season. Enjoy your well- earned retirement!
You are the reason I watched channel”6” news . We have grown together over the years ! I enjoy the whole action news team .. you will be missed . Enjoy your retirement and enjoy life with your family ! Thank you!
Wasn’t originally from Philadelphia Pa. But when I moved to the city and state. 6 ABC Action News and Jim Gardner made me feel welcome and integrated to the region. Jim Thank You and we will miss you.
I still listen to KYW News Radio over the Internet, from my home in Anchorage, Alaska, because there's literally no good radio journalism on the local dial, so Jim's commentary is especially poignant to me. When they mentioned about Jim's retirement on the air today, I had to look up his final broadcast. Well spoken, Jim, and I really respected your journalism as a kid and teenager before moving away.
Jim will always be my news idol. My family watched Jim along with Jim O’Brien (aka the Sports Gym until his passing in 1983), Don Tollfeson, and later Gary Papa, Dave Roberts. I was born in 1990, and saw Action News at 6 and 11. I moved to Pittsburgh in 1998, and I still remembered the greatest news team in the Delaware valley. Now all of my Philly news idols retired: Dave, Rob and Jim.
I have been watching Jim Gardner since he began in philadelphia taking over for Larry Kane who had been the anchor on channel 6. For a very young man , that had to be a scary prospect. Jim passed with flying colors and has been the ultimate professional for 46 years. You deserve a rewarding and enjoyable retirement. Enjoy your Phillies and Sixers games. 7:12
Jim, thank you. We will miss you, but we are grateful for you and your incredible body of work. Thank you for also recognizing your team, our thanks to them too.
God bless you Jim Gardener You informed us You have your heart of stories. Even though you love Sports you describe many stories and others to lead the articles I hope you have very happy and long retirement years.
A wonderful and honorable man and journalist. Hope he enjoys his retirement as much as we have enjoyed having him provide great news reports and insights everyday
A Philadelphia News Legend that will be missed. I knew who Jim Gardner was when I was able to talk, when I was a toddler (per my Mother). That’s how long that I’ve been watching him.
Congrats on 46 great years on WPVI (6ABC). There are two anchors that I grew up with this man and the other "Jim" at my home station "Jim Vance at WRC-TV in Washington, DC 48 years before he passed in July 2017. I think WNBC's (NBC 4 New York) Chuck Scarborough is now the longest at any one station.
I left Philly at the age of 20 and now I'm in my 40s. I always remembered my parents watching this guy at 6. I can't believe how long he has been on. A well deserved retirement.
Sending you love from Texas, Jim. Like so many others, I grew up with you then Peter on World News Tonight. The theme, you and Don Polec have stuck with me through the decades.
