Jim French – The Sonic Society

From Sibby Wieland and World Audio Drama Day:

We are sorry to announce the death of Jim French, of Jim French Productions, yesterday, December 20th, 2017 at the age of 89. French was a legend in the Puget Sound region, working as a disk jockey and producer, but he was best known worldwide for keeping the flame of radio drama alive on American network radio through the 1970s, ’80s, and ’90s, continuing well into the podcast age. At its height Jim French Productions were syndicated on hundreds of stations, including “Harry Nile” and “Imagination Theatre” and were also available as audio cassettes, CDs, and most recently as podcasts. He was known for his kindness and generosity, and he treated writers, producers, crew and actors well. JFP even let next generation streaming stations – Sound Stages Radio and others – to distribute his shows. He was also a guest with REPS (Radio Enthusiasts of Puget Sound). Thank you for everything, Jim.

Our deepest regrets and best wishes to the friends and family of this innovator of modern audio theatre. Farewell Jim.

One of the great heartaches of growing older is seeing the end of things.

All things begin and all things must one day end, but it’s very bittersweet when its one of the great pillars of the Audio Drama community and that’s exactly what Jim French Productions is. For over two decades now, JFP has been making incredibly polished professional, stellar radio dramas and they are closing their doors at the end of March.

This February Newsletter has all the information:

Hello Jim French Productions fans.

In last month’s newsletter we told you that Jim had been hospitalized, had surgery and was on the mend. He is back home now, recovering and feeling better.

A few of you may know that Monday night we had our usual January live performance (a double length Sherlock and single length Harry Nile) at the Kirkland Performance Center. It was a sold out crowd and everyone had a good time, although a bittersweet time.

Monday night was our last live performance at Kirkland and it was also the scene for our announcement that, after almost 21 years producing Harry Nile, Sherlock Holmes, Kincaid and other series and single stories, Jim French Productions’ Imagination Theatre will be retiring from production and closing its doors at the end of March.

We’ll be broadcasting new shows up until the end of February and the website will stay open for sales until mid-March.

There are many “ends” that have to be tied up before we close so the office will remain open until the very last day, Friday, March 31, unless something changes.

If you wish to get our online catalog simply email us at jrfproductions@yahoo.com and put the word “catalog” in the subject line and we’ll email one off to you as soon as possible.

Thank you for your support through these 21 years.

The Crew at Jim French Productions, Inc. Imagination Theatre

Here at the Sonic Society and the entire larger radio drama community wish Jim and everyone at Jim French Productions a healthy and happy future. Thanks for so many wonderful memories and stories!

Tag: Jim French

Jim French Passed Away

Jim French Productions Off The Air