San Antonio is saying a final farewell to one of its most beloved voices, veteran broadcaster and radio legend Jud Ashmore, who passed away at the remarkable age of 101. With a career spanning several decades, Ashmore left an indelible mark on the city's airwaves, enchanting listeners with his warm and engaging personality. In an affectionate remembrance of his life and legacy, MySA reflects on Ashmore's journey from his military service to his domination of San Antonio's broadcasting scene.
Ashmore's broadcasting career began after a distinguished service in the U.S. military, first in the Navy during World War II and then as a meteorologist in the Air Force. His tenure in the Air Force brought him to San Antonio, where he traded in his lieutenant colonel's bars for a microphone at KSAT 12 and KITE Radio. According to an interview by Mark Carrillo, a Texas Radio Hall of Fame inductee, to MySA, “He just had a delivery that was warm and friendly.” Carrillo fondly remembered Ashmore, also noting his distinctive mustache and his ability to connect with audiences as if he were "like an uncle."
The legendary broadcaster's passing was reported by both MySA and the Texas Radio Hall of Fame. After his initial forays into broadcasting, Ashmore briefly left San Antonio in the 1960s, but his connection to the Alamo City was strong, prompting his return in 1972 to become chief meteorologist at KENS 5. He later transitioned to radio, where he spent many years at KBUC, and ultimately landed at News Radio 1200 WOAI. His weather reports there continued until 2002, after which he made a brief retirement before returning to the airwaves on KRNH in Kerrville until 2012.
Jud Ashmore's life was filled with memorable quotes and sign-offs, but one stands out for encapsulating his experience and passion for radio. "They say you have not been in radio until you have been fired and divorced. I have been in radio,” Ashmore quipped, according to a biography from the San Antonio Radio Hall of Fame.
