Craig Allen says: Thank You for Everything, Jim Gearhart!

Jim Gearhart is one in a million!

And since the announcement yesterday morning, the thank you messages, and thoughts for his full, and speedy, recovery have been pouring in!

Originally, I just posted a few thoughts of my own on my public social media page.

There have been official words on nj1015.com, and an eloquent post from Jeff Deminski (click here to read it).

Originally, I thought that a few of my thoughts on my site would suffice....but the outpouring of comments has been so heartwarming, I want to share my original text, and some of the responses that I have received:

"It's the end of an era at New Jersey 101.5.....with the announcement this morning that Jim Gearhart will not be returning. He was rather severely injured in an accident back in September, and while he is on the mend, it will be a long process.

This past Saturday, I marked 13 years at NJ101.5! I have not mentioned this fact on-the-air...and I only bring this up now, to put things in context

Jim has been NEW JERSEY'S morning man since day #1 in 1990....back when I was competing with him, doing my "full service" radio thing, cross town at 1350 WHWH in Princeton. I was just a kid in the biz, up against the wise sage.

It has been my extreme pleasure to call Jim Gearhart my friend since I arrived at NJ101.5 in November 2002. I have been the fill-in/backup morning show engineer since 2004....and have trained all the morning show engineers since that time.

Jim would ALWAYS greet me with a big smile, so early in the morning! Sometimes he knew that I was going to be there...sometimes, it was a surprise...and he'd break out into a great big grin and say: "Hey, look who's here!"

On those early Monday mornings when I had worked on-air til midnight, and was sleeping on the couch near his desk, when he rolled in at around 4am, he would work quietly. And, he would wake me at 4:30 so that I could start prepping for "First News" at 5am.

I will always treasure those mornings spent with Jim. Talking politics and pop culture (past and present)...and LIFE. Jim is extremely well-read, and can talk about any subject, with authority!

I enjoyed cracking jokes with Jim...as well as laughing along with him, at the absurdities in this state that we love so much.

Both of us being "radio geeks," I loved hearing all the funny, behind-the-scenes stories about the well-known and talented people that he had worked with....not to mention all the legendary call-letters that Jim has on his resume!

And I feel blessed to have been able to ask his opinion (off-air) on many topics...to pick his brain...and benefit from his wide-ranging experience and advice.

Jim Gearhart is a humble man.

And a total class act.

And my FRIEND.

All my best to you for a full recovery, Jim!

And, keep in touch."

Thank you for the outpouring of thoughts and prayers on Jim's behalf, on my social media page!

Here's just a sample of what you, my "friends" have to say:

"Oh no! Jim was the guy that woke me up every day, ever since I've been a kid. He never failed to make me smile in the morning, or cause me to write an angry letter to a politician. Jim was the man that inspired me to get into radio. He inspired me to be an honest person, a productive and active citizen. Whether he knows it or not, the **** *** people know can be credited widely to Jim. A true radio legend, pioneer, and a overall great man. I will miss listening to him on my "morning drive." Best wishes to a full recovery and a great (and very well earned) retirement."

"What a great tribute. I wish Jim a speedy recovery and happy retirement."

"Jim Gearhart's voice will be missed 😧"

"Sad news (but delivered in the greatest honor and style) - but I do hope that he has a full recovery."

"best for a FULL recovery to him!"

"Get well soon Jim! I worked at NJ1015 as an evening call screener from 2000-2002. The morning of my interview I got to meet Jim. Such a nice guy."

"Very well said Craig. I wish Jim all the best. Sending out good vibes & much healing. He'll be in my thoughts & prayers."

"I hope Jim gets well. I have listened to Jim on NJ 101.5 for a long time and remember when his show was on Comcast Network from 6am-10am on weekday morning. Love Jim. He is the best in the business of radio and at NJ 101.5 FM."

"Sad news. Wish him well and speedy recovery. Will miss him."

"I love Jim please send my best regards for a speedy recovery."

"Terrifically talented broadcaster. Speedy recovery and many healing wishes."

"It is amazing what an impact a person can make in our lives. You were truly blessed as was he. Sending him love, light, and abundant healing energy."

Thank you for all your kind words!  And, keep them coming!

Here's something about New Jersey's MORNING MAN of the last 25 years, that you probably did not know...

Jim Gearhart is on "record."

An album of Jim's "radio bits" from his time at WCBS (AM) in New York, was released in 1967!

And then, you flip him over, and continue to "flip out!"

Some of the funniest bits include telling the police that a man dressed in a King Kong suit is scaling a major NYC building, with Jim being put on hold, only to end up with an officer with no sense of humor.

Jim called restaurants, wanting to buy leftover food...to then can, and re-sell.

At the height of the "Batman" and "Green Hornet" TV craze, Jim called an auto repair garage, wanting to pick up his car. Which car is it, mechanic asks. Jim goes on to describe the Green Hornet's "Black Beauty," and adds that the car might have "a few bullet holes" in it. He gets transferred from deadpan mechanic to mechanic, til the last guy catches on, and can't stop laughing!

A year or so ago, Jim got to talking about the album, off the air. I asked him, if he could find a copy, to bring it in. That's the kind of guy he is. Always sharing!

The next morning, as I was sharing my favorite bits with him...refreshing his memory...he responds: "Its hard to believe that I made a living, doing such silly things, in my youth."

Bless you, Jim Gearhart, for a lifetime of sharing...with ALL of us!