Tributes and reflections are pouring in for James Abey, who entertained KMMO listeners for over a decade as our morning show host Raymond James.

Abey passed away Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026 at the age of 45. Station manager Pete Hollabaugh informed listeners of the news that afternoon.
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Abey’s death stunned many in the communities he called home and the places where he was a regular presence. One of those places was the Missouri State Fair, where marketing director Kari Mergen says Abey was always willing to contribute to make each fair a success.

Mergen continued:

Abey grew up in Sedalia and was part of the swim and soccer teams at Smith-Cotton High School.  He also performed in the concert choir and New Score show choir, both under the direction of Sandy Cordes.

Cordes added that Abey’s talent was matched by the heart he showed for those around him.

In addition to mornings, Abey provided play-by-play for the Marshall Owls and more recently the Cole Camp Bluebirds. Pigskin Postgame host Lou Michaels paid tribute to his longtime colleague at the beginning of Friday night’s show, kicking off the 2026 season.

Abey was the voice of the Marshall Owls for 11 years, having the call of the Owls’ 2022 boys’ soccer state championship and baseball’s trip to the state semifinals earlier that year. Former activities director Kelly Callanan said that Abey was an avid sports fan who was very supportive of youth athletics, especially when they involved his three children.

After signing off from mornings, Abey spent two years as Marshall’s groundskeeper, where Callanan was his supervisor.

Abey is survived by his wife Audrey and children Blake, Zachary, and Sophia. Visitation will be Wednesday from 5 until 8 p.m. at the Fred E Davis Multipurpose Center on the State Fair Community College campus in Sedalia. Family and friends will gather for his funeral Thursday at 11 a.m. at the Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Cole Camp. The family suggests memorials to the Cole Camp Rec League or the James Abey Scholarship Fund in care of the Fox Funeral Home of Cole Camp.

Click here to read Abey’s obituary.