Jim Caldwell (WKYT) Bio, Age, Wife, Family, Son, Salary & Retirement
By late 2025, Jim Caldwell has cemented his legacy as one of Kentucky’s most trusted weather authorities. A familiar face to thousands of families across the Bluegrass region, Caldwell served as a staple of the WKYT weather team in Lexington for nearly a decade after a long tenure at WYMT in Eastern Kentucky. He made headlines in December 2025 by anchoring his final broadcast, marking the end of a distinguished chapter in television broadcasting. Known for his clear communication during severe weather and his deep connection to the local community, Caldwell’s retirement marks the conclusion of a career dedicated to keeping Kentuckians safe.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Jim Caldwell |
| Profession | Meteorologist / Broadcast Personality |
| Last Station | WKYT (CBS Lexington) |
| Retirement Date | December 5, 2025 |
| Age | Approx. 50 Years (Est. 2025) |
| Birth Place | Kentucky, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | Big Sandy Community & Technical College (BSCTC) |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Wife | Terri Caldwell |
| Children | 1 Son (Storm) |
| Notable Relative | None (Often confused with NFL coach Jim Caldwell) |
| Net Worth | ~$1 Million (Est. 2025) |
Early Life & Education
Jim Caldwell is a native Kentuckian with deep roots in the Appalachian region. He grew up with a fascination for the weather patterns that shape the state’s landscape.
- Education: He is a proud graduate of Big Sandy Community and Technical College (BSCTC). He has frequently credited the college for providing the foundation for his career, stating that completing his degree was a pivotal moment in his life. He likely holds additional meteorological certifications typical for broadcast meteorologists (such as from Mississippi State University), though he is most vocal about his start at BSCTC.
Career Journey
The WYMT Years (Eastern Kentucky)
Before becoming a household name in Lexington, Caldwell spent 12 years at WYMT, the sister station to WKYT located in Hazard, Kentucky.
- Mountain Meteorologist: During his time in the mountains, he became a beloved figure, guiding Eastern Kentucky through floods, snowstorms, and severe thunderstorms. He often refers to the viewers there as his “mountain family.”
The Move to WKYT (Lexington)
Caldwell transferred to WKYT in Lexington, bringing his expertise to a larger market while staying within the same station ownership family.
- Role: He served as a key member of the First Alert Weather team, often anchoring the noon and evening weather segments.
- Reputation: He became known for his calm demeanor during crisis coverage and his friendly, approachable style during routine forecasts.
Retirement (2025)
- The Announcement: In late 2025, Caldwell announced he would be stepping away from the green screen.
- Final Broadcast: His last day on air was Friday, December 5, 2025. The broadcast featured emotional tributes from colleagues and a montage of his career highlights. He cited a desire to spend more time with his family as a primary driver for his departure.
Personal Life
Jim Caldwell’s personal life is characterized by a strong devotion to his family, which he often spoke about on-air and on social media.
- Wife (Terri): Jim is married to Terri Caldwell, who is also a graduate of Big Sandy Community and Technical College. He frequently refers to marrying her as the best day of his life.
- Son (Storm): In a twist of fate perfect for a meteorologist, Jim’s son is named Storm.
- Born: June 26, 2012.
- Significance: Jim has jokingly (and lovingly) noted that his son lives up to the name. As of 2025, Storm is a teenager, and Jim’s retirement allows him to be more present during these crucial high school years.
- Hobbies: Outside of the weather center, Jim is known to enjoy the outdoors, reflecting his appreciation for the Kentucky landscape he forecasted for decades.
Salary & Net Worth
While broadcast meteorologist salaries are not public record like NFL coaches, industry standards provide a clear estimate.
- Estimated Salary: As a veteran meteorologist in a mid-sized market like Lexington (Market ~#60), Caldwell likely earned between $85,000 and $110,000 annually toward the end of his career.
- Net Worth:~$1 Million.
- Source: Accumulated earnings from over 20 years in television broadcasting, combined with the lower cost of living in Kentucky.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Is the WKYT weatherman Jim Caldwell the same as the NFL coach?
A: No. They are two different people. Jim Caldwell (WKYT) is a white meteorologist based in Kentucky. Jim Caldwell (NFL) is an African American football coach.
Q: Why is Jim Caldwell leaving WKYT?
A: Jim retired from WKYT on December 5, 2025. While he hasn’t ruled out future projects, he stepped away from daily broadcasting to focus on his family and personal life.
Q: What is Jim Caldwell’s son’s name?
A: His son is appropriately named Storm. He was born in 2012.
Q: Where did Jim Caldwell go to college?
A: He attended Big Sandy Community and Technical College (BSCTC) in Eastern Kentucky.
Conclusion
For over two decades, Jim Caldwell was the voice of calm when the skies turned dark over Kentucky. From his early days at WYMT to his final sign-off at WKYT in December 2025, he remained a quintessential “local broadcaster”—someone who felt more like a neighbor than a TV personality. As he enters retirement with his wife Terri and son Storm, he leaves behind a standard of reliability that his successors will strive to match.
