Former Flambeau Editor Jim Smith Reflects on Seven Decades in Journalism
Jim Smith, a former editor of the Florida Flambeau, recently celebrated his 90th birthday, reflecting on a 70-year career in journalism that placed him at the center of significant historical events. Smith's journey began with school newsletters and continued through college at Florida State, where he covered the university's integration. After graduation, he worked at the Orlando Sentinel, reporting on monumental events such as the Apollo space missions and the opening of Walt Disney World. Later in his career, Smith moved to Colorado to work on newspapers before returning to Tallahassee and eventually becoming an editor for a small-town newspaper in Bainbridge, Georgia, where he emphasized the importance of local news and cultivating sources. 
