K-105's Doug James dies at 71 after 'brief illness'

YOUNGSTOWN - A radio host whose voice has been broadcast over the Mahoning Valley's airwaves for nearly four decades has died.

Doug James, who has worked for local country music station K-105 since 1989, has died on Thursday, January 8, according to a post on K-105's website and social media pages. 

A statement released by broadcasting company Cumulus Media, who own K-105, James died at the age of 71 after battling what is being described as a "brief illness."

James has co-hosted K-105's morning show with MaryAnn Graff since 1991. 

James graduated from Springfield High School and is an alumnus of Youngstown State University.

According to K-105's website, James worked for an AM radio station playing big band and polka music before moving to K-105.

"Doug loved all of K-Country and was passionate about the music, the artists, the listeners and our community, and was a devout supporter of St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital in Memphis. He believed helping the community of listeners was as important as having them listen daily. He set the standard for morning radio in the Valley," Cumulus's statement reads.

Prior to his work at K-105, James worked at the former WFMJ 1390 Radio early in his career.