If you spotted sportscaster Pete James anywhere in London, Ont., something was going on.
You might not have known exactly what it was, as he was likely the only one who had the scoop, and he was busy gathering the details.
When you saw James, all you had to do was hang tight for a bit and soon enough, there he’d be on the radio or TV sharing whatever story he had uncovered with everyone.
James had a strong presence.
<p That's probably why he stood out so much when he stepped outside the studio or moved away from the TV desk.
Throughout his career, sports news in southwestern Ontario – and often further afield – came through James.
In the mid 1960s, James became the first person outside of a hotel conference room to learn that the London Nationals were transitioning into the London Knights.
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He found this out because he literally stood outside that conference room with his ear pressed against the keyhole. He heard what was said, dashed to the nearest payphone, and informed London.
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James’ coverage of Western Mustangs games was legendary. He made fans feel purple and proud whether they were Western alumni or not.
He served as master of ceremonies during the opening of London’s downtown arena now called Canada Life Place.
Later in March 2004 , he’d be in the broadcast booth when The Knights secured their first-ever Trophy as regular season champions in Ontario Hockey League.
The expression on his face that night after covering The Knights for 39 years is something people will never forget.
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You could clearly see how proud he felt about The organization.
A year later , James made history by being The first radio reporter on ice while celebrations erupted around him after The Knights captured Their very first Memorial Cup Championship.
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He was part of The London Sports Hall of Fame and also received an RTNDA Lifetime Achievement Award for His outstanding work as A reporter.
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Get the day’s top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Because that’s what he excelled at. James kept everyone informed. After starting his career in St. Catharines, James worked at CFPL-TV and CFPL Radio in London right up until the late 1990s when he transitioned from television to radio alongside Steve Garrison. More on Sports More videos James also served as a radio analyst for London Knights games and traveled with the team until the 2011/12 season when he switched to a post-game analyst role with Rogers TV alongside host Ryan Robinson. Traffic Now
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James’ coverage of Western Mustangs games was legendary. He made fans feel purple and proud whether they were Western alumni or not.
He served as master of ceremonies during the opening of London’s downtown arena now called Canada Life Place.
Later in March 2004 , he’d be in the broadcast booth when The Knights secured their first-ever Trophy as regular season champions in Ontario Hockey League.
The expression on his face that night after covering The Knights for 39 years is something people will never forget.
Story continues below
You could clearly see how proud he felt about The organization.
A year later , James made history by being The first radio reporter on ice while celebrations erupted around him after The Knights captured Their very first Memorial Cup Championship.
<
He was part of The London Sports Hall of Fame and also received an RTNDA Lifetime Achievement Award for His outstanding work as A reporter.James passed away on February 4th at age 89.
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