A former Tamaqua man who is believed to be the first person to have established a radio station in the area passed away on Sept. 26 in Woodbridge, Virginia.

James “Jim” William Reichard Sr. was a 1957 graduate of Tamaqua High School.

He was a son of the late William N. Reichard and Lucille (Markel) Reichard.

Jim can be remembered as a pioneering broadcaster who graduated from Georgetown University.

Family members said his lifelong passion for broadcasting began at just 12 years old when he built his very first radio station using his mother’s clothesline as an antenna.

Over his career, he built, established and maintained numerous radio and television stations.

Notably, he constructed WJWR in Hershey, and owned and operated WSVB in Tamaqua, which he operated from 1965-72 and which stood as one of the first FM stations on the East Coast.