Jimmy Duke, who emceed the Jackson-Madison County Sports Hall of Fame festivities for 20 years, will be the recipient of the 2023 Billy Schrivner Distinguished Service Award, when the Hall of Fame holds its 37th induction ceremony at the Carl Perkins Center, at 6:30 p.m., March 28.
Grace Media Group – NEWS/TALK 101.5 FM, 93.1 FM & WNWS.COM visited with Jimmy for a question and answer session about his induction.
Question: First, a little background information – where are you originally from, family, education, career?
Answer: I am a native Jacksonian, and I’ve been married to the former Judy Baker for 50 years.
We have 2 children, Julie, 47, and Mike, 44. We have three granddaughters, Addie, Erin and Rachel and one great granddaughter, Mattie.
I graduated from Jackson High School in 1967, and attended Jackson State Community College.
In 1970, I began a 13-year career in the savings and loan business, and in 1983, I became a partner in Golden Circle Land Company as a certified general real estate appraiser.
I retired in 2019 after 36-and-a-half years.
Question: What were your thoughts when you were first told you had been selected to receive the Billy Schrivner Distinguished Award at the Jackson-Madison County Sports Hall of Fame?
Answer: I was surprised and honored. Billy was a friend for several years prior to my becoming a Hall of Fame board member.
Working with him on the board, he became a mentor, a sounding board, a great source of local sports information and my biggest cheerleader and critic.
He always had a positive word after each show and was just as quick to make suggestions where he thought I could improve. It was an honor to be a part of this organization and to be considered for this award.
Question: Locals recognize you as the ‘Voice of the Jackson-Madison County Sports Hall of Fame,’ an event you emceed for 20 years. Would you tell us how your selection to follow Tom Mapes as emcee evolved?
Answer: I was a board member for two years before being asked to act as emcee for the awards banquet.
Tom Mapes had been emcee since 1986, when the Hall of Fame had its first program.
He decided to give up that position and asked if I would consider taking it. I said ‘yes’ never thinking that it would last for 20 years.
Question: You are no stranger to broadcasting. Would you tell us who or what influenced you to get behind a microphone, and what attracted you to the industry?
Answer: Ken Marston at WDXI offered me an opportunity to work in radio in 1966, my senior year at Jackson High School.
After two years at WDXI, Tom Mapes hired me at WJAK in 1968 as an on air announcer.
These early positions lead to other radio, emcee offers, and voice over jobs – and to TRTV/Eplus TV 6 as play-by-play announcer for local high school and college football games for 23 years.
Question: The Sports Hall of Fame reaches year 37 when the event is held at 6:30 p.m., at the Carl Perkins Civic Center, March 28.
What are thoughts on how this event has grown since its first program in 1986?
Answer: The success of the Jackson-Madison County Sports Hall of Fame is due to the vision of its founders and the dedication and hard work of the officers and directors.
From its beginning, the focus has been on the past accomplishments of the inductees.
Over the years the board saw the need to expand the program to support and spotlight the accomplishments of current high school and college athletes and provide scholarships to deserving local athletes.
Question: Would you give us an idea of what you will speak about when you are inducted into the Hall of Fame?
Answer: There will be a heartfelt thanks to the board for the recognition, but even more important, there will be recognition to those who have loved and supported me over the years.
For tickets and reservations, call Beth Sedberry (731) 616-8558.
(PHOTO: Jimmy Duke)
