Jimbo was a beloved weatherman and broadcaster for KCAL 9 News in Los Angeles for over 20 years. He was known for his friendly on-air persona, signature sign-off (“Take it slow and easy”), and quirky sense of humor that often involved props or costumes. However, in early 2022, Jimbo suddenly disappeared from KCAL’s airwaves, leaving many viewers wondering what happened to the popular forecaster.
Jimbo’s Background
Jimbo, whose real name is James Kincaid, grew up in the Los Angeles area and had dreamed of being a broadcaster since childhood. After working at smaller stations across the country, he got his big break when he was hired by KCAL 9 in 1998.
Stationed in Los Angeles, KCAL was the flagship station of CBS at the time, so landing the weatherman role was a huge move for Jimbo’s career. He quickly became one of the station’s most recognizable faces and developed a loyal following among viewers who tuned in nightly for his unique and lighthearted forecasts.
Jimbo’s Popularity on KCAL
Part of what made Jimbo such a fan favorite was his ability to keep the weather fun and entertaining without compromising the accuracy of the forecast. While other meteorologists simply read off the expected highs and lows for the day, Jimbo spiced things up by incorporating props, costumes, and jokes into his segments.
Some of Jimbo’s most memorable stunts over the years included:
– Dressing up in an inflatable dinosaur costume while warning viewers about an impending “heat-osaurus” during a heatwave.
– Strapping on a set of cardboard angel wings while calling for divine intervention during a particularly rainy period.
– Bringing his pet chihuahua on air to help demonstrate the “puppy dog breeze” that would provide some gentle winds that week.
– Tapping into his Hawaiian heritage by donning floral shirts and straw hats while forecasting tropical conditions.
While some found his antics to be a bit zany, most viewers considered it part of Jimbo’s charm. His lighthearted approach helped ease people into the day and brought smiles to the morning commute.
Jimbo’s Sudden Disappearance
After more than 20 years on KCAL’s morning show without any significant absences, Jimbo’s disappearance in early 2022 came as a shock. He was last seen on air on March 11, bidding viewers farewell with his trademark sign-off. The following Monday, he simply didn’t show up for his scheduled forecast.
In the days that followed, KCAL did not offer any explanation for Jimbo’s absence. They continued to promote the morning show as usual, with fellow meteorologist Evelyn Taft handling the weather in Jimbo’s place. As the days stretched into weeks with no word, viewers grew increasingly concerned and curious about what had happened to Jimbo.
KCAL remained silent on the matter until about a month later when they finally confirmed that Jimbo was no longer with the station. However, they did not provide any details on whether he was fired or had left voluntarily. This cryptic announcement only fueled further speculation among fans.
Theories on Jimbo’s Departure
In the absence of an official explanation from KCAL, several theories emerged online as to why Jimbo disappeared from the air so suddenly:
Health issues
Some thought perhaps Jimbo had encountered unexpected health problems that forced him to step away. However, no hospitalizations or concerning incidents had been reported.
Contract dispute
Others speculated that Jimbo may have gotten into a disagreement with KCAL over contract negotiations. His initial deal was rumored to have expired around the time of his disappearance.
Early retirement
Some wondered if Jimbo had simply decided to retire earlier than expected to spend more time with family or pursue other interests. This seemed unlikely given his visible passion for broadcasting.
Move to a rival network
A more scandalous theory suggested Jimbo was poached by a competing station and had left KCAL on bad terms. But no reports surfaced of him appearing elsewhere.
Viewer complaints
A small contingent hypothesized that KCAL fired Jimbo over a handful of recent viewer complaints about his shtick being over-the-top or inappropriate. However, these complaints were fairly rare.
Personal issues
Finally, others thought maybe Jimbo was dealing with private struggles in his personal life that required him to leave abruptly. As he was fairly private off-camera, this could not be confirmed or denied.
Life after KCAL
Since his disappearance from KCAL, Jimbo seems to have retreated fully from public life. He has not given any interviews or made posts on social media explaining his departure.
Hiatus from social media profiles:
| Platform | Last Post Date |
| February 28, 2022 | |
| March 1, 2022 | |
| March 10, 2022 |
A search of industry databases shows no evidence of him taking meteorologist or broadcaster roles at other networks either locally or nationally.
It appears that wherever Jimbo is now, he has chosen to completely step back from the limelight and public eye. While disappointing for his longtime fans, we can only hope this means he has found peace and contentment in the next phase of his life.
Jimbo’s Legacy at KCAL
While the circumstances around Jimbo’s departure still remain a mystery, his legacy at KCAL is firmly cemented. For over two decades, he brightened up mornings across Southern California with his lively forecasts and zany antics. He made weather fun and approachable, while also demonstrating true mastery of the science behind the maps and predictions.
Even years later, many viewers who grew up watching Jimbo still have fond memories of his quirky costumes, signature phrases, and rapport with co-anchors. He inspired a generation of aspiring meteorologists with his ability to educate while entertaining.
The current KCAL morning team certainly has big shoes to fill without Jimbo’s presence. But the station would likely not be where it is today without the viewership and engagement he generated in his tenure there. For that, he will always be remembered as a KCAL icon and treasured L.A. broadcaster.
Conclusion
Jimbo’s sudden disappearance from KCAL in 2022 remains an intriguing mystery. The longtime L.A. weatherman left many questions unanswered when he unexpectedly departed the morning show he had anchored for over 20 years. The cryptic handling of his exit by the station only furthered speculation among confused and concerned fans.
While we may never know the full story behind Jimbo’s leaving, his legacy at KCAL is firmly intact. For a generation of SoCal residents, he made weather fun, brought smiles to the morning commute, and exemplified skillful broadcasting. KCAL has certainly lost a beloved staple, but wherever he is now, we hope Jimbo has found happiness and a pleasant forecast.