Jim Cox was a friend. He is- was a really unforgettable guy. Talented, passionate, funny, unpredictable. He could have a fierce temper, and a ridiculously funny sense of humor. He was always kind and gentle with me, but he could be tough on people. He demanded excellence. As they say he “didn’t suffer fools”, or tolerate divas. He made me laugh. He loved women, was a talented carpenter who took great pride in re-doing his own home, he loved golf, gadgets and text messaging, and sailing. He often texted me at night for quickie love advice. If you were in his inner circle, he didn’t hesitate to spill the beans on EVERYTHING. I enjoyed those talks. He would tease my husband by calling him my pet names, and say he wanted someone to be “schmoopys” with too. I really wanted to see him marry, I think he would have been a great Dad. They say kids are innately good judges of character. Jim came home with me to LA for a shoot this year, my 4 year old niece fell in love with him. That night she got in trouble at the dinner table for saying a bad word. She was scolded and taken into a corner. When she returned, she looked at a table full of relatives, and instead turned to Jim. “Jiiimmm…. I’ve been crying”, she said. She knew he’d care right from the start. This morning, it is my turn to tell my friend and colleague Jim Cox the same thing.
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3TV Anchors & Reporters, Arizona
Even as I write this, I remain in denial….
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3TV Anchors & Reporters, Gary Harper
I knew three of the men who died in the helicopter collision in Phoenix last Friday: Rick Krolak, Jim Cox and Scott Bowerbank. I’ve listed them in the order I met them. In different ways, they were all bright, positive lights in my life. I learned from them. I laughed with them. I was in awe of their different talents. And even though they were three very different men, they had one thing in common: passion.
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3TV Anchors & Reporters, Royal Norman
We take the “family” part of Arizona’s Family seriously, and now our family has lost two of it’s brightest lights. It would be so easy to write a book on each of these guys.
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3TV Anchors & Reporters, Steve Bodinet
Like most junkies he was skinny and nervous–and in the darkness of a rain-soaked Seattle night–he was looking for a fix.
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Mike Watkiss
Where does the time go? I’m often asked “How long have you been at 3?” I’m not sure what it means when people seem so surprised that it’s been more than 8 years. I’ve seen a lot in that time. Regular viewers may remember me best wearing some kind of parka (or sometimes a dry cleaning bag), during a storm. Surrounded by large bodies of flowing rain water. Or perhaps surrounded by snowstorms, or wind, or dust, or lightning. You’re not a “real” reporter unless mother nature is beating the crap out of you.
I’ve interviewed a lot of people. Some good, some bad. Most were not happy to see me, at least initially, (tv cameras can do that) but I always tried to tell their story honestly and openly. I’ve seen many tears shed, and I’m not too proud to say, I’ve shed a few of my own. But after 8 years of chasing good guys and bad, good storms and bad, it is time for me to go. I’ve been offered an opportunity in Paducah, Kentucky. A smaller city, and a smaller station, but a very big opportunity for me. Instead of being a wheel in the “news machine”, I will be the motor. Anchoring the 5,6 and 10 p.m. shows. It’s the next step in my career and it’s one I’ve been waiting for for some time. I had hoped that opportunity would happen here, but, sometimes the only way to move forward is to move on. I want to say thank you to all the people who’ve taken the time to share their stories with me, and stay tuned, you just may see me back here again some day.
Sincerely,
Scott McGee
p.s. And if you’re ever in Paducah, Kentucky, don’t be afraid to say hello.
Arizona
I’m the luckiest guy in the world. I get paid to have adventures.
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Mike Watkiss
OK, so as usual I am behind on my blogging, and I really wanted to share a bit of my vacation. We went to Cabo San Lucas for 4 days and had an amazing time. My husband and I actually took naps, read our books, and truly relaxed. I was in awe of the beautiful place we stayed, it was a splurge but worth it thanks to the gorgeous scenery, over the top service, and attention to detail. The resort is called the One & Only Palmilla. When you get there, you are greeted with a “welcome popsicle” and are checked in right in your room! (no waiting at a front desk, there really isn’t one). Then there’s welcome tequila, lime & salt in your room! It was those little things that made us giggle like little kids, treat after treat. But the one silly thing I came home talking about: a customized sewing kit- prepped with threads that match the clothes we brought!!!!! To me, if I worked in the hotel industry I would steal that idea in a blink. We also saw Kate Beckinsale (Pearl Harbor, Click, The Aviator) at the pool!
Pasmore said, “did you talk to her… tell her you’ve interviewed her or something???”
NO WAY! I’d fear rejection way too much! Anyway, Cabo is just a 2 hr or so flight from Phoenix, and you can be in a paradise before you know it. But one warning: woooo it is humid!
3TV Anchors & Reporters, Arizona
I had the coolest night. I hosted a motivational/self-esteem workshop at a place called Fresh Start Women’s Resource Center. This is a facility in Phoenix at McDowell and 11th st., that provides countless programs to better women’s lives. Last night, I was joined by about 25 women- I was nervous about the event. First, I thought no one would show. Second, I truly doubted I had any insight to offer them- I’m used to speaking to kids, but these are women with stories of their own. But from the second we got started, we are laughing and sharing and their energy and their interest made the experience cathartic and unforgettable. The workshop was scheduled from 6-8pm, and it was after 8 when we were done talking. When I asked for questions at the end, the most amazing thing happened… these women started sharing their own stories, opening up about the crossroads they were facing. Then, they started offering help to each other. They exchanged phone numbers, they stayed after and hugged. This place is great- and whether you’re in a tough spot right now, or just looking to expand your interests, abilities, or friendship circle- I highly recommend checking out Fresh Start. And if you have some skill you’re willing to share, this is the place. You’ll get back even more than you give- promise.
3TV Anchors & Reporters, Arizona
The Davis family has returned to America after a full two weeks in Europe. What a time we picked as the dollar hit an all time low against the Euro, and a 26 year low against the British Pound. Good timing huh?
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Arizona
I was at the grocery store the other day and something happened. It wasn’t a big deal, really. But it got me thinking?
I was in line with a cart full of groceries. Basically I was the annoying person who is stocking up when everyone else is just there to buy one or two things. There was only one line open (of course!). And a lady walked up behind me with just a couple of items. She seemed really stressed so I asked her if she’d like to go ahead of me. No big deal. I wasn’t in a hurry. Well she was so thankful and appreciative that I offered and, as she hurried out of the store, she said to me something about paying it forward.
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3TV Anchors & Reporters, Carey Peña
Once upon a time–many years ago–a very wise man told me the secret of making good t.v.
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Mike Watkiss
What a lovely place!!
My husband and I were invited to visit some dear friends who have a place in Flagstaff. We were looking forward to some cooler temperatures… some hikes in nature… and some greenery.. and we certainly found what we were looking for!!!
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3TV Anchors & Reporters, Kirsten Joyce
Yes, it’s Mike Watkiss’ fault. I blame him and only him. It’s because of him that I have not written a blog in a couple of months.
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3TV Anchors & Reporters
Watch the video
I wish I had a buck for every murder I’ve covered that was committed by some stupid, jealous, control-freak boy-friend or husband. I know I’d be rich!
The latest such story–the brutal Fourth of July murder of a beautiful young woman by the name of Brianna Wood. As the Nation was celebrating its birthday, Ms. Wood was being stabbed to death and having her throat slit allegedly at the hands of her live-in boyfriend–a 24-year-old named Ryan John Chronis. It is a twisted story but suffice it to say that Ryan Chronis is–by most accounts–a dead beat scumbag with a long history of meth use who allegedly murdered Brianna Wood in front of her two young children. Chronis then allegedly loaded the body in the back of Ms. Wood’s SUV–leaving Brianna’s two young sons ages 2 and 3 all alone in their apartment–as he headed to Mexico to dispose of the evidence. The good news is that some heads-up Mexican cops busted Chronis before he could dump the body. I’ll have more on my interaction with Brianna’s wonderful and loving family later…but at this point I just wanted to go on the record and encourage every stupid, cowardly asshole who has ever contemplated violence against his wife or his girl-friend–shoot yourself instead–I’m tired of covering the stories and the world would be a better place without you…mw
Mike Watkiss