9/9/24 - Actor James Earl Jones Passes Away

James Earl Jones achieved great success on both the screen and Broadway. Jones passed away at the age of 93. Image courtesy of the Academy of Achievement. 9/9/24.

The unmistakable voice and larger than life personality, James Earl Jones passes away at the age of 93.

Jones voice was often associated with the villain Darth Vader from the Star Wars series. Jones appeared in dozens of films, television shows and on Broadway in a career that spanned six decades. Jones is one of less than two dozen actors to win an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and a Tony award in their careers.

Jones was born in Mississippi, but his family moved to Michigan where he graduated from Brethren High School before going on to earn his  Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Michigan. Jones served in the US Army eventually earning the rank of 1st Lieutenant.

He performed in summer theater in Manistee, Michigan.

His iconic vocal performance as Darth Vader in the Star Wars series was not credited for the first two movies, Star Wars and The Empire Strikes Back. Jones would explain that most people would assume the voice was a special effect, and he didn't feel it warranted an acting credit. He would later change his mind after the voice became so prominent in the films and in American culture.

Jones passed away Monday at the age of 93.

More from Featured

On Air Now Mornings with Jeremy & Amanda
These Days Jeremy Camp 8:37am
High Hopes Rachael Lampa 8:29am
Encouraging Words From Your Bible

We justify our actions by appearances; God examines our motives. Clean living before God and justice with our neighbors mean far more to God than religious performance.

PROVERBS 21:2-3 | MSG
Family-Friendly Commercial-Free
91.3 WCSG
Grand Rapids / Lakeshore
88.3 WCXK
Kalamazoo
90.9 WCFG
Battle Creek
89.9 WCXB
Benton Harbor