By Taysom Cummings
For more than three decades, Jim Kelly’s voice was a familiar presence in the living rooms of American sports fans. With a career that spanned local radio, national television, and some of the world’s most prestigious sporting events, Kelly carved out a respected place for himself in the pantheon of sportscasting.
Born and raised in Toledo, Ohio, Kelly’s journey into the world of sports broadcasting began in college. He attended the University of Toledo, where he picked up the microphone for the first time, calling hockey games on WMHE-FM. It was the start of a lifelong vocation.
Between 1965 and 1970, Kelly worked at various stations across Ohio, developing the versatile, articulate broadcasting style that would come to define his career. By 1970, his talents brought him to Golf Network, Inc., where he covered golf tournaments for both the Mutual and NBC Radio networks.
Kelly’s big break came in 1974 when he joined CBS and CBS Radio, where he would work for over a decade. His assignments at CBS spanned a wide spectrum of sports: he called golf for the PGA Tour on both television and radio, covered NFL and NBA games, and reported on events ranging from bowling and horse racing to track and field. Beyond live events, Kelly anchored several sports programs, including Sports World Roundup on CBS Radio, CBS Sports Saturday, and CBS Sports Sunday on television. He also served as a sports anchor for the CBS Morning News, showing his ability to pivot between live play-by-play and studio presentation.
From 1978 to 1982, Kelly balanced his national duties with a local role at WCAU in Philadelphia, where he further distinguished himself with award-winning coverage of horse racing. In 1980, he earned the prestigious Eclipse Award—an honor rarely given to local broadcasters—for his outstanding coverage of the sport. In 1983, Kelly briefly worked as a sports anchor at WNEV-TV in Boston, but by 1985, he transitioned to what would become his longest tenure: his 17 years at ESPN.
At ESPN, Kelly’s voice became a staple for national audiences. He covered a diverse array of sports, and his polished delivery made him a natural fit across disciplines. In 1987, his coverage of the America’s Cup earned him a CableACE Award—an industry accolade that underscored his versatility and broadcasting excellence. Even after departing ESPN in 2002, Kelly remained active in the field, joining CNBC to provide commentary for the Senior PGA Tour.
In many ways, Kelly’s story is a reflection of the golden era of American sportscasting, a time when the voice behind the game played as crucial a role as the players on the field. From small-town Ohio stations to major national networks, Jim Kelly remained a steady, professional presence, committed to bringing the thrill of sports into the homes and hearts of millions.
In typical Jim Kelly fashion, he dedicates his limited time to supporting local efforts that advance goodwill, inspire youth, and support civic causes. Jim will be in Washington County, Utah, and participate in many of the annual “Liberty Week” events that are sponsored by United We Pledge and Liberty Village, including:
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Patriotic Service at Tuacahn on Sunday, June 29, 2025
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Liberty Cup Golf Championship at Sand Hollow on Monday, June 30, 2025
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Liberty Kids Camp at Hurricane Town Center on Wednesday, July 2, 2025
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The annual 4th of July Parade in downtown St. George on Friday, July 4, 2025
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Kony Country July 4th celebration at Utah Tech University on Friday, July 4, 2025
Balance of Nature is thrilled to partner with Kelly in these upcoming celebrations this Independence Day. “We are incredibly excited to host Jim,” says Michael N., Vice President of Public Relations at Balance of Nature. “His experience and willingness to speak in the upcoming events means a lot to our entire community.”
Jim Kelly embodies many of the same values that Balance of Nature, Liberty Village, and United We Pledge aim to celebrate this Independence Day: commitment to excellence, community, and country. Kelly’s journey is a true American story, making his presence at this year’s Independence Day celebration in Washington County all the more meaningful.
