Jim Scott's Legacy Lives On at the Red Kettle

For nearly half a century, Cincinnati woke up to the voice of Jim Scott. From his early days spinning Top 40 hits at WSAI to his legendary run at 700 WLW, Jim became more than a radio host—he became part of the city's daily rhythm. His warm voice, steady presence, and genuine love for people made him a Cincinnati institution.

But the microphone was only part of Jim's story.

Long after the morning show ended, Jim devoted himself to another calling: serving others. And nowhere was that more evident than with The Salvation Army.

Jim first became involved with The Salvation Army in 2014. What started as support quickly became a passion. Over the next decade, he served as Honorary Chair of Cincinnati's Red Kettle Campaign, lending not only his name, but his time, energy, and heart. Jim didn't believe in simply endorsing a cause from a distance. He showed up.

He rang bells across the city. He greeted shoppers with his signature warmth. He made television appearances, spoke at press conferences, and encouraged countless Cincinnatians to support their neighbors in need. For Jim, the Red Kettle wasn't just a fundraiser—it was a chance to connect with people and remind them that generosity changes lives.

And Cincinnati responded.

Jim's dedication to volunteerism extended far beyond The Salvation Army. He served on numerous boards and generously gave his time to organizations throughout the region, including United Way, March of Dimes, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Hoxworth Blood Center, and WCET. If there was a need in Cincinnati, chances were good Jim had already rolled up his sleeves.

That was simply who he was.

In recognition of his extraordinary service, The Salvation Army honored Jim with the William Booth Award in 2017 and later recognized him again with the Doing the Most Good Award in 2023. These honors reflected what Cincinnati had known for years: Jim Scott wasn't just the voice of the city—he was one of its biggest hearts.

When Jim passed away in 2024 after battling ALS, Cincinnati felt the loss deeply. His absence was profound. A voice that had comforted, informed, and inspired generations had gone silent.

But some legacies refuse to fade.

Today, Jim's wife, Donna Hartman, is carrying that legacy forward—one bell at a time.

"My husband, Jim Scott, was the honorary chairman of the Red Kettle Campaign in the last 10 years of his life," Donna says. "Our December calendar was Salvation Army. Jim was all in."

To honor him, Donna stepped into the cold—and into the tradition Jim loved so much. She signed up for nearly fifteen two-hour bell-ringing shifts at Kroger stores throughout Cincinnati. And because volunteering is always better with company, she invited friends to join her.

Now, they call her.

"People want to come because they've discovered the joy of ringing the Salvation Army bells," she says.
That's Jim's legacy in action.

Anyone who has ever rung a Salvation Army bell understands exactly what Donna means. It's not complicated. You smile. You wish people a Merry Christmas. You hear the familiar clink of coins hitting the kettle. And for a few hours, you become part of something bigger than yourself.

"As bell ringers, you can't help but be happy," Donna says. "You get to say Merry Christmas to somebody. You see on their face, 'Oh, the sound of the Salvation Army bells means Christmas!'"

She's right. Those bells are Christmas.

More importantly, they are hope.

Every donation helps The Salvation Army provide meals, shelter, disaster relief, youth programs, and emergency assistance to families throughout Greater Cincinnati. As community needs continue to grow, so does the need for volunteers willing to stand beside the kettle.

Donna puts it perfectly: "You stay warm, and I'm telling you, it'll warm your heart."

Jim Scott spent his life using his voice to lift others up. Today, that voice still echoes—in every cheerful greeting, every ringing bell, and every volunteer who steps forward to serve.

This Christmas, you can help continue that legacy.

Because the sound of a Salvation Army bell isn't just tradition.

It's Jim.