A Legend Retires
It is my sad duty to let you know that “the world’s greatest weatherman”… J.B. Elliott… is officially retiring this week from weather work.
J.B. is my mentor, and the main reason I am a professional meteorologist today. He is a trusted friend that never seems to have a bad day.
His roots are in rural Hale County, at Havanna Junction, south of Moundville. J.B. was born April 17, 1932, and it seems like he loved weather from the day he was born. The passion has never faded, and his enthusiasm for the science of meteorology spreads like wildfire.
He worked for the National Weather Service as a forecaster for 32 years… and all of that time was spent at the office here in Birmingham. He is has lived and worked through so much weather history… he was the one that issued most of the tornado warnings during the “SuperOutbreak” of tornadoes April 3-4, 1974.
Upon his retirement from the NWS, we had a deal for him waiting to join “The Weather Company”… now known as “The Weather Factory”. That is our private business that provides support for ABC 33/40; J.B. is widely known for his daily afternoon forecast package here on the blog. Not only is he known for detailed, accurate forecasts, he is also loved because of the personal stories he shares. For many years, the adventures of his dog “Little Miss Molly” warmed many hearts.
I cherish all the times we rode together to school visits over the years on the “roads less traveled”.
J.B. has been the long time severe weather voice for local radio stations WBHK (Kiss-FM), WBHJ, and WAGG.
J.B.’s wife Judy had a serious fall a few weeks ago, and both Judy and J.B. have decided it is the time to retire. But, even in retirement, we will always check in with J.B. anytime we have a big weather threat since he is the voice of experience and logic around here.
I hope J.B. and Judy enjoy the retirement years; they are active members of Huffman Baptist Church and live in Trussville. It has been my honor to work alongside the “legend” for all these years, and I will always be appreciative of his support and encouragement.
You can drop J.B. a note anytime over on his Facebook page….
Category: Hodgepodge
About the Author (Author Profile)
James Spann is one of the most recognized and trusted television meteorologists in the industry. He holds the AMS CCM designation and television seals from the AMS and NWA. He is a past winner of the Broadcast Meteorologist of the Year from both professional organizations.Subscribe
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