Art James, 74; Host, Announcer of Popular TV Game Shows in 1960s
From Times Staff and Wire Reports
Art James, 74, the host and announcer for a number of leading television game shows in the 1960s, including “Say When,” “Fractured Phrases” and “Concentration,” died Sunday during a visit to Palm Springs.
According to his ex-wife, Sandra Pietron, James was stricken with a sudden illness.
Born Arthur Efimchick in Dearborn, Mich., James graduated from Wayne State University and served two years with the Army in Germany as an announcer on the Armed Forces Network.
In the late 1950s, he was hired to fill in for host Hugh Downs on the game show “Concentration.”
A familiar face on television commercials, James for many years was a spokesman for J.C. Penney.
He was a resident of Chaska, Minn.