Joining Channel 7 in 1972 as a general assignment reporter, Jim covered everything from the police beat to city hall and regional government. Former news director, Dick Bieser stole Jim away from Channel 2. Baldridge said, "I couldn't believe how lucky I was that Bieser called me and that they wanted me to do the very job I had dreamed of doing with people I had dreamed of working with."

In 1977, Baldridge joined Dayton broadcast legend Don Wayne on the anchor desk. Jim said it was a thrill to work with Wayne, whom he had grown up watching in Lima. "Don had a voice, as did Walter Cronkite, that was just amazing. It made you listen yet, it was folksy and comfortable and drew your attention," said Baldridge.

During his years at WHIO-TV, Baldridge traveled the world to cover stories that were important to the Dayton region. "I always had a bag. I've got a bag packed right now, " said Jim.

Special assignments took Jim to China, Vietnam, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Japan, Columbia and throughout Europe including a story about the Berlin Wall coming down. He also covered major news stories in the U.S. including the San Francisco earthquake and the Oklahoma City bombing as well as many presidential nominating conventions and elections.

Jim has an abiding interest in aviation that began when his father took him for a plane ride as a child. He began anchoring live coverage of the Dayton Air Show in 1975. WHIO-TV's broadcasts of the air show were seen all over the U.S. and several foreign countries.

Jim and his wife, Sue live in Centerville. They have two grown children and two grandchildren. Daughter Amy and husband, Doug Wise live in Florida. Son Nick and his family live in Australia.

Watch an hour-long special about Jim's life and career on WHIO-TV Sunday afternoon at 12:30 following News Center 7 at noon.

Baldridge said he loves the Dayton area and although he and Sue plan to travel, they will keep their home base here.

"It's been a fulfilling time and a fulfilling career. I think overall, everything worked out and I don't really regret anything," said Baldridge.