Comedy legend dead at 78 of cardiac complications

Comedy legend James Gregory, Jr. died Wednesday at the age of 78.

Known since the 1980s to fans as “The Funniest Man in America,” Gregory died from cardiac complications.

According to a press release, the Georgia native completed work on his first and only autobiography, “A Bushel of Beans and a Peck of Tomatoes: The Life and Times of ‘The Funniest Man in America,’ James Gregory,” which will be published in November 2024.

Though often considered a “southern” comedian, he never used the term in his performances, and, in fact, worked frequently across North America doing what he called “down home, common sense” humor.

“The way I see it, you’re not just my audience. You’re my customers,” an excerpt of his autobiography read.

James was a radio icon with thousands of appearances on local broadcasts and hundreds more on popular syndicated programs, including John Boy & Billy, Rick & Bubba, and Bob & Tom.

RELATED: 5 things to know about the ‘Funniest Man In America’

He turned down an appearance on “The Tonight Show” when he refused to “speed up” his delivery, and instead found a home as one of the most frequent guests ever on The Nashville Network (TNN), where he was a favorite of radio and TV personality Ralph Emery on his nightly talk show “Nashville Now.”

James was born about 25 miles east of Atlanta in a rural area and many of his jokes are based on his observations of rural life. His website states: “It’s storytelling at its best. The trademark caricature is the essence of humorist James Gregory’s comedy: rib-tickling reflections on life from the front porch.”

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.