Jim Boone
James Buford Boone Jr (born November 25, 1935 in Macon, Georgia; died February 13, 2023 in Lowndesboro) was the founder and chair of Boone Newspapers Inc. (BNI), publisher of The Tuscaloosa News and 90 other periodicals.
Boone was the son of Tuscaloosa News publisher Buford Boone. He graduated from the University of Alabama in 1958 and worked at other newspapers in Texas and Virginia before returning home to take over as publisher and president of Tuscaloosa Newspapers Inc. in 1968. His father remained chairman of the company until he retired in 1974.
Boone focused on building up the business side of publishing, and steadily acquired other newspapers, websites, magazines and shopping guides in 12 states.
Boone also served on the boards of directors for Randall Publishing and Regions Bank. He and his wife, Carolyn had five children.
Boone died in February 2023 and is buried at Oakview Cemetery in Lowndesboro.
References
- Cobb, Mark Hughes (February 15, 2023) "James B. Boone Jr., former publisher of The Tuscaloosa News, dies at 87." The Tuscaloosa News