‘As Baltimore as they come’: Local television’s James ‘Traffic Jam Jimmy’ Uhrin dies

Longtime Baltimore television personality James Uhrin, known to Fox 45 viewers as “Traffic Jam Jimmy,” has died, the station confirmed Saturday night. He was 65.

Fox 45 editor Sinead Hawkins confirmed that Uhrin died of a heart attack Saturday. The station reported that Uhrin started working there in 1976 and first appeared on Baltimore screens as Mondy the Sea Monster on the “Captain Chesapeake” show.

More recently, he delivered transit news under the moniker “Traffic Jam Jimmy.” His relatable personality and antics — such as the time he was caught on live television ordering a fish sandwich at a McDonald’s drive-thru — brought him viral fame in recent years.

Jimmy Uhrin was caught in a McDonald's drive-thru during a live shot in 2015.

Fans took to social media Saturday to express condolences.

T.J. Smith, a podcaster, media relations specialist and former Baltimore mayoral candidate, tweeted that Uhrin “was as Baltimore as they come.”

Any child born in the 70s in Baltimore knew the sound and heard the call, “Ahoy crew members!” I was a crew member who couldn’t wait to turn on Captain Chesapeake and Mondy the Seamonster. Many years later, in my various roles, I got to meet and befriend the man behind Mondy, https://t.co/mYEPR2PJyc pic.twitter.com/AjrXZBSfs9
— T.J. Smith (@TJSmithSocial) May 8, 2022

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan tweeted that he was “devastated” to learn of the broadcaster’s passing. The governor last saw Uhrin about a month ago for their annual Maryland Day interview in front of the State House.

Devastated to learn of the passing of local broadcasting legend James Uhrin, known and beloved by so many of us as ‘Traffic Jam Jimmy.’

Jimmy spent nearly half a century at Ch. 45, and I was fortunate to have the opportunity to get to know him better during my time as governor. pic.twitter.com/wMTRRuD0S6
— Governor Larry Hogan (@GovLarryHogan) May 8, 2022

“His trademark humor, irrepressible spirit, and love for Baltimore and our state will be dearly missed,” Hogan said in the tweet.

James Uhrin, left, and former Ravens Qadry Ismail, center, and Brad Jackson attended the Flip Flop Festivus gala in September 2011. (COLBY WARE / BALTIMORE SUN)