One of my favorite experiences…

What’s the story behind your nickname?

My great grandmother named me James. That was the norm until high school when I was”Bogart” became the moniker that was placed upon me by my pal, Kevin “Elmo” Elmore for reason of extracurricular activities that weren’t so legal then as they are now. But that’s a story for another time. 😉

In this installment of my daily prompt inspired musing and recollection, the focus falls on the three letter handle you and most know me as; Jim.

To get that abbreviated common shortening of James let’s travel back to 1992 and Little Rock’s Newsradio 920, KARN.

This was my second professional job as a board operator at the number 2 station in the market. I would make it to the number 1 station in a pretty short amount of time and that will be relevant in just a few. Now back to the board…

One of my duties back then was the in studio audio engineer for Arkansas Travelers Baseball. The legendary sports broadcaster Jim Elder was the most knowledgeable play by play man in all of Arkansas sports, joined by morning drive host and always cheery Bob Harrison providing color commentary.

It was during my first assignment in this role that Jim ever the professional gave thanks to the studio engineer, James Bumgardner (that was me). However, through out the game, inning by inning, Jim fumbled Bumgardner… a lot. Bobby didn’t care to correct him so by the bottom of the 7th Bumgardner had become “Buchanan”. And it stuck for the rest of the season.

I was far from offended and who was I to correct Mr. Elder? Plus, truth be told, this was one of the most boring things I have ever had the privilege of being paid to do. That said, it was a funny Easter egg for me and got funnier when Bobby noted that it was a pleasure having the 15th President riding the board back at the station.

Then game the job at the number 1 station and fate forced opportunity that served me well for the next decade + of my career.

Thanks to a heads up from my buddy Lance, I learned of a part time opening at KSSN 96 FM. This was the cherry spot for resume building as while not only being the market dominator for decades, it was also my families favorite radio station. It was a conquest of accomplishment for me. Plus it gave me and my voice the opportunity to actually be heard on the air. Even if it was overnight and at any other fill in time when needed. The catch? I needed an on air name.

I didn’t really think about that until I secured the gig and showed up for day one. It was in that moment that I realized my need for anonymity. That was still a thing back in the 20th century for all of you younger readers out here. For reference as to why, check out the Clint Eastwood movie “Play Misty for Me”. Another one of those flicks that was a documentary more than just a drama.

So there I was in the prized throne of the Arkansas airwaves and my mind raced for a moniker. My real, I’m the phone book name was certainly off the table. Then it hit me what Mr. Elder said, but then what Bobby said and as I cracked the mic open for the first time on 95.7, “James Buchanan” morphed into JIM Buchanan. T

My in the heat of the moment rational came from one main logical perspective: both were easy to say and remember. And so began my official career in radio and television under the “nickname” of Jim Buchanan that would remain through 2011-ish.

I made the switch to my proper sir name after completely settling down here in Harrison, Arkansas. The “why” was due to the confusion that led to life for my live bride of three years by then. Alicia got tired of having to explain why her new name of Bumgardner and Buchanan were one and the same. That’s really social medias fault. Using the platforms as professional marketing, promotion and distribution tools, my “pro” stuff was labeled with the air name whereas everything in the real world was my real name.

It was confusing. I also became aware how stupid the old paranoia driven identity mask was in the 21st century.

So now, here we are. I’m comfortably “Jim Bumgardner”. Alicia hasn’t had to waste the time and breath explaining it all in over 15 years. And now, as an author, reading it on a book cover, I’m sure those with the same enunciation issues that Mr. Elder had all those decades ago, will eventually work it out when they look at their book shelf.

Godspeed Jim and Bobby,

Now, Go Play!

Jim 07/25/2025

Thanks for joining me again for a daily Spark infused ramble. I do hope you’ll return again tomorrow as the journey to 11,000 kicks into higher gear every single day.