Jim Blum
Host, Folk Music

Jim Blum has been sharing his love of folk music as a radio host on WKSU-FM for more than 25 years. Judy Collins called him, “A national treasure.” Jim grew up in northeast Ohio and still lives there today. He’s nestled 500 feet from the road in a timberframe house, which he helped build. He’s in the Snow Belt, which he loves, being an avid backcountry skier. A trip to the mountains is necessary each year “to rebuild my soul.”

Jim is single but has a family of eight cats—Skoki, Bodo, Beedie, Lils, Arlo, Francis, Kiri and Liese1—and four dogs—Buster, Harriet, Callie, and Josie (named by Jim’s listeners in a contest). Jim’s bed stays quite warm at night, as all of his animals sleep on it with him. He has rescued all of his animals, which were all abused, neglected or on death row. They often join him on his cross-country skiing, hiking or mountain biking adventures. Jim, a vegetarian, also enjoys sampling India Pale Ales, playing contract Bridge, attending auctions, gardening and mountain biking.

Jim graduated with a B.A. from Kent State University, has been in over 30 plays, played bass in a bluegrass and swing band, and used to be a landscaper. Jim’s biggest complaint about himself is that he’s often too busy with too many projects and would love to simplify his life. It is Jim’s passion for the environment, animals, and, of course, folk music that make it so hard for him to say “no” to the many friends and organizations that ask for his help. This passion is broadcast to listeners along with Jim’s special mix of music. His audience knows Jim as a conversational, confident guy who is more of a companion than an announcer. Jim says, “I look at the folk programs as a meeting place...a place to gather each weekend.”

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