WS Chronicle

“A one-in-a-million chance of a lifetime. And life showed compassion and sent to me, a stroke of love called you.”

These are the lyrics to Larry Graham’s classic love song “A One In A Million You.”  Just before Christmas in 2020, I shared with you a one-in-a-million love story about radio icon Jim Starr and his then fiancé Vivian. The two were high school sweethearts at James B. Dudley High School in Greensboro. Jim had graduated, yet he continued walking Vivian home from school while holding Vivian’s hand and carrying her books as they stared into each other’s eyes. 

In 1966, Jim’s mother became ill, so he moved to Patterson, New Jersey, to take care of her. “Jim is such a lovable and caring man, and that’s what I loved about him then, and still to this day,” said Vivian. The radio icon promised his sweetheart that he would return, but between taking care of his mother and a newly thriving radio career, that promise took 50 years. 

In between those 50 years, the two love birds went their separate ways. Both had gotten married. “I felt an emptiness, Busta, because it wasn’t true love. After my eight-year marriage, I struggled with relationships because I couldn’t find that chemistry with anyone else the way I connected to my sweetheart Vivian,” said Jim. 

“No one could fill up my heart the way Jim does, so I never stopped thinking about him. I still had love in my heart for Jim. I spent so many nights wondering what he was doing,” shared Vivian. 

Fifty years later, Jim returned to North Carolina to find his long-lost love, Vivian. He turned to social media and there she was. “I saw a picture of Vivian and she was still gorgeous,” said Jim. 

“It felt wonderful to know I’m still gorgeous to Jim,” said the new Mrs. Starr. Fifty years later, the high school sweethearts were finally reunited. 

The lyrics of the Peaches and Herb classic continued to play in my head; “I spent the evening with the radio, regret the moment that I let you go. I know now that I love, and cause I need your touch. Hey, hey. Reunited and feel so good!”

Vivian had even more great news to share with Jim, who didn’t have any children. While the two were catching up and eating the delicious dinner Vivian had cooked, the doorbell rang. In walks a beautiful 50-year-old with her two beautiful daughters. Lareese White was the spitting image of her father Jim. The reunion with Vivian turned out to be a family reunion as well. Jim, who thought he would never have children, finally has it all – the love of his life, a daughter, and grandchildren. 

While most of the world was overwhelmed with the devastation of COVID-19, Jim, Vivian and their daughter Lareese were overjoyed with love and happiness. I asked Vivian what love song best describes their life story. “At Last by Etta James. Finally at last, I got this man after 50 years. At last!” 

On September 18, 2021, this beautiful Queen finally married her Handsome King. The night before the big day, Vivian said, “I couldn’t sleep. No COVID on my mind, it was Jim Starr. 

“When I saw the sun coming up, I knew I was going to be good and tired, about time this was over,” said a smiling Vivian. 

“I actually couldn’t sleep myself. I was so nervous because I knew it was going to be a special day. A day that I could remember for the rest of my life. Getting married to Vivian was 50 years in the making, for a long time, Busta,” said Jim. His smile was bright enough to compete with the sun. The smile of a man in love. 

It’s September 18 and 50 years of anticipation is about to become a happily-ever-after, one-in-a-million love story. Vivian is pulling up to Mount Zion Baptist Church in Winston-Salem, and so was Jim. “You know he wasn’t allowed to see me before I walked down the aisle. So, they had to call him to tell him to circle the church until I got out of the limo. There I am with all this gown in my hand running up the steps. We went straight to the dressing room so he couldn’t see me,” said Vivian as she and Jim laughed as they held hands like two teenagers in love. She continued, “That moment started the day with excitement, as everyone laughed along with us.” 

Jim looks into his new bride’s eyes, smiles, and then shares an amazing and intimate moment as he stands watching his bride make her grand entrance. “I was so nervous. And when the ceremony started, I saw Vivian coming in, I started crying. And my best man said, ‘Hold on buddy, it’s going to be alright.’ But I couldn’t hold back my tears. I didn’t want the people to see me crying, but I couldn’t help myself. I said, ‘Oh my God! This is it! I’m finally going to marry my high school sweetheart. The one and only woman I’ve ever loved,’” shared an excited and emotional Jim Starr. 

He continued, “This is the most exciting and best thing to ever happen to me. Having my wife, my daughter, and two granddaughters in my life.” 

After hearing those sweet words, the title of the Gladys Knight classic came to mind: “You’re the best thing that ever happened to me.” Vivian said the wedding reception was “absolutely wonderful, because everyone was drunk on love, peace, happiness, and fun – not alcohol. Everyone there was very happy for Jim and I.” 

I asked the newlyweds what they love most about each other. “I love the way she walks, talks, the way she smiles, the way she dresses, the way she cooks. I love everything about Vivian,” shared Jim. 

“I love the way he treats me. He treats me exactly what he calls me, his queen. He really treats me that way. He’s so lovable. He has such a pleasant attitude and mannerism. And I see more of it than I’ve seen before. He doesn’t get angry. Nothing upsets Jim. He brings a spirit of calmness to everyone and any situation. He’s an easy person to love and live with,” shared Vivian. 

Jim Starr is a radio icon who spent most of his career traveling. With a new wife, a daughter, and grandchildren,what does the future hold for the Black Radio Hall of Famer? “This has changed me from a single man to a man with big responsibilities. I always wanted a family, and the reason it took 50 years to have this amazing blessing is because I was out there in the media world doing a whole lot of things that didn’t leave much room for a family. Now I have time to be with them and give them all the love they need and deserve. I now have time to relax and enjoy the family life. I’m living my best life.” 

What’s the glue that keeps everything together? “We don’t get upset with each other, because we stay calm and talk about things and work it out. That’s the easiest part, because if you truly love someone, you can work anything out,” said Vivian. 

“Making up is one of the greatest things you can have in a relationship. When you have a disagreement, the making up makes it even better. That’s one thing I do very well. I gotta toot my horn on that one,” jokes Jim. “If we have a disagreement, we don’t go to bed angry, because that’s the worst thing you can do, because the next morning, you have the same problem all over again. We make sure that we make that thing right, by getting lovable, and more lovable. And we get that thing done! I had to go there, Busta,” jokes Jim, as the three of us laughed out loud. “We have a lot of love, trust and God in our marriage. That’s what keeps us together.”

What would the Starrs like to achieve as a couple?  “We have a project we’re working on now called The National Black Radio Hall of Fame in the Triad. To honor Black radio personalities that made a significant contribution to the business,” shared Vivian. 

Jim spent 35 years of his radio career in Nashville, Tennessee. So, what is his bride’s dream honeymoon? “I want to go to Nashville, Tennessee! I want to see where this man spent 35 years away from me. I want to see it. They have some beautiful sights there and I want to see it all with Jim. I want us to take a horse and carriage ride together as well. That would be my dream come true. I don’t need to go far, that’s good enough for me.” 

I asked the amazing couple to share their most romantic memories, present and past. “I’ll take you back in the day. When we were very young we used to hold hands as we walked down the street in Greensboro. We would also sit on the porch and watch the beautiful moon. That was romantic, my friend. That was one of my past romantic memories with my wife.”

“The most romantic moment for me is when I looked at Jim’s face when he came to my house after 50 years of being away. All that love and joy came back as if it never left. I walked up, grabbed him and held him, and then gave him a big kiss.” Vivian added, “I want our love and marriage to be an example to young couples. True love is real.” 

“Without God’s blessings, we wouldn’t have such a great marriage, and we’re going to keep it that way,” shared Jim. My phenomenal Sweethearts of the Week are Jim and Vivian Starr.