Jim Becker, a distinguished journalist famed for his wide-ranging reports during pivotal moments of history, has passed away at the age of 98. Becker, who died of natural causes at a Honolulu hospital, leaves behind a legacy of impactful storytelling and unforgettable moments witnessed throughout his storied career.
Throughout his life, Becker chronicled significant events, including the groundbreaking debut of Jackie Robinson as the first Black player to take the field for Major League Baseball. According to his goddaughter Carla Escoda Brooks, Becker joined the Associated Press (AP) mere days after finishing his service in the U.S. Army, walking unannounced to the agency's New York headquarters ready to start reporting.
At just 20 years old, Becker famously reported on Robinson’s first game with the Brooklyn Dodgers, recalling the electric atmosphere of Ebbets Field and societal tension surrounding the moment. "He’s carrying the banner of decency and dignity and fair play and the American promise," Becker reflected on his experience at the game, recalling how Robinson handled the pressure from the crowd and opposing players. Becker remembered how supportive the fans were, many of whom recognized the significance of racial equality at play.
Becker’s career expanded beyond baseball as he ventured to cover the Korean War for the AP. Assigned to report on military operations shortly after the conflict began, Becker embedded himself with U.S. Marines, often using inventive methods to file stories under trying circumstances. "I knew they would go at least to Tokyo and maybe even Honolulu..." he recalled, as he tucked his manuscripts inside the pockets of wounded soldiers' uniforms for transmission to AP offices worldwide.
His exhilarating experiences during the war included the retaking of Seoul, detailing memories of crossing the Han River alongside fellow soldiers and civilians, painting vivid pictures of liberation. His journalistic feats during the military conflicts showcased his courage and dedication to reliable reporting, even amid chaos.
Another exciting story from Becker’s repertoire was his coverage of the Dalai Lama’s 1959 entry to Indian exile. The race against United Press International to transmit timely photographs of the Tibetan leader's arrival resulted in amusing anecdotes, including exciting cable exchanges between Becker and the editors. Becker said, "I realized...the only correspondent in Asia who was so stupid he didn’t know what the Dalai Lama looked like."
Despite his many accolades and historical contexts, Becker regarded his most meaningful contribution to journalism as his coverage of Farrington High School's underdog football team. His columns for the Honolulu Star-Bulletin focused on their 1965 league championship, encapsulating not only their triumph but also their struggle against societal expectations. The players, who hailed from humble backgrounds, embodied the spirit of perseverance and community.
State Rep. Gregg Takayama, who graduated from Farrington, reminisced about Becker’s depiction of the team overcoming challenges, stating, "The message of the story really was...you can do great things." For many residents, Becker's story became emblematic of hope and resilience.
Becker's personal life reflected the same dedication he showed to his career. Married to Betty Hanson Becker for 60 years until her passing in 2008, Jim had no children but embraced the role of godfather to Carla Escoda Brooks and her relatives after his colleague’s tragic passing. He consistently remained involved and supportive throughout their lives.
His death marks the loss of not just a journalist, but also a mentor, friend, and storyteller whose words have shaped the narratives we know today. Survived by his goddaughter Carla and her family, Becker's legacy as one of the great journalists will resonate with those who cherished his stories, whether on the battlefield, at the baseball diamond, or within Hawaii’s vibrant communities.
Jim Becker's storied career stands as proof of the power of journalism to not only report history but to inspire through stories of hope, resilience, and genuine human experience.