Jim Scoutten: Wiki, Biography, Age, Wife, Family, Net Worth, Death Cause & More

Jim Scoutten was more than just a journalist. He was a passionate advocate for the shooting sports, a defender of the Second Amendment, and a mentor to many in the industry. He was also the most watched firearms reporter in history, with a career spanning three decades and two award-winning television shows: American Shooter and Shooting USA. He died on July 18, 2023, at the age of 77, after a short illness.

Early Life and Career

Jim Scoutten was born in 1945, in an undisclosed location. He graduated from broadcasting school and started his career as a radio reporter for All News Radio. He then moved to television news, working as a reporter, anchor, producer, and news director in several cities across the U.S., including Minneapolis, Honolulu, Phoenix, Seattle, Houston, and Savannah.

In the early 1990s, he became a special interest reporter and covered topics such as motorsports. He switched to shooting sports when the opportunity arose and became the producer and host of American Shooter in 1993. The show became the highest-rated outdoors television program in history, attracting more than one million fans nationwide.

In 2001, he left American Shooter and founded his own production company, Tier One Media, LLC. He launched Shooting USA, a weekly show that covered all aspects of shooting disciplines, from cowboy action shooting to long-range rifle shooting. He co-hosted the show with his eldest son John Scoutten, who also became his business partner.

He also created Sighting In with Shooting USA, a spin-off show that focused on firearms reviews, tips, and techniques. Both shows aired on Outdoor Channel and My Outdoor TV (MOTV), reaching millions of viewers every week.

Physical Appearance

Jim Scoutten was a man of average height and weight, with a friendly and professional demeanor. He had an attractive physique and a charming appearance. According to one source, he had a height of 6 feet 0 inches (approx) and a weight of 88 kg (approx).

He had short gray hair, blue eyes, and a fair complexion. He often wore glasses, a hat, and a jacket when he was on camera. He had a distinctive voice that was recognizable by millions of shooting fans. He was admired for his style and charisma as well as his expertise and passion.

Wedding, Wife and Kids

Jim Scoutten was married to Johnnie Scoutten, whom he met in 1968. They had a happy and long-lasting marriage and shared a love for shooting sports and outdoor activities. They also had three sons: John, Michael, and David. All of them followed their father’s footsteps in the shooting sports industry.

John Scoutten is the eldest son of Jim and Johnnie Scoutten. He is a competition shooter and a veteran TV host and producer. He co-hosted Shooting USA with his father for over two decades, covering various shooting disciplines and events. He also produced and hosted Sighting In with Shooting USA, a show that featured segments on firearms history, gunsmithing, training tips, product reviews, industry news, and profiles of shooters and personalities.

Michael Scoutten is the second son of Jim and Johnnie Scoutten. He is also a producer of Shooting USA, and has been working with his father and brother since 2003. He is responsible for editing, graphics, sound, and music for the show. He also occasionally appears on camera as a reporter or a shooter.

David Scoutten is the youngest son of Jim and Johnnie Scoutten. He is an attorney who specializes in intellectual property law. He is also an avid shooter and a supporter of the Second Amendment. He occasionally joins his father and brothers on shooting trips and events.

Achievements and Legacy

Jim Scoutten was not only a successful broadcaster but also a respected figure in the shooting sports industry. He was known for his knowledge of firearms, his journalistic integrity, and his friendly demeanor. He was also an avid shooter himself, participating in various competitions and events.

He received numerous awards and honors for his work, including the Golden Moose Award from Outdoor Channel, the Bill Ruger Award from the National Rifle Association (NRA), and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF). He was also inducted into the Outdoor Sportsman Group Hall of Fame in 2018.

He was a staunch supporter of the Second Amendment and the NRA, often promoting their causes and initiatives on his shows. He also mentored many young shooters and journalists in the industry, sharing his wisdom and experience with them.

He leaves behind a strong legacy as a tireless defender of shooting, firearms, and our constitutional rights. His voice was unique and powerful; he will be remembered by many as the voice of shooting sports.

Cause of Death

Jim Scoutten passed away on July 18, 2023, at the age of 77, after a brief illness. He is survived by his wife Johnnie Scoutten, his three sons John, Michael, and David, and his grandchildren. He was widely respected and admired by shooting enthusiasts and industry leaders, who paid tribute to him on social media and other platforms.

He was a devout Christian who attended Grace Chapel Church. He was also involved in various charitable causes, such as Wounded Warrior Project and Honored American Veterans Afield (HAVA).

He died on July 18, 2023, surrounded by his loved ones. His funeral service was held on July 22 at Grace Chapel Church. His family requested that donations be made to HAVA or Wounded Warrior Project in lieu of flowers.

Jim Scoutten BIO/WIKI

Facts/Trivia

• He started his career as a radio reporter for All News Radio and then moved to television news, working as a reporter, anchor, producer, and news director in several cities across the U.S.
• He became a special interest reporter and covered topics such as motorsports before switching to shooting sports in the early 1990s.
• Jim Scoutten left American Shooter in 2001 and founded his own production company, Tier One Media, LLC. He launched Shooting USA, a weekly show that covered all aspects of shooting disciplines, from cowboy action shooting to long-range rifle shooting. He co-hosted the show with his eldest son John Scoutten, who also became his business partner.
• He also created Sighting In with Shooting USA, a spin-off show that focused on firearms reviews, tips, and techniques. Both shows aired on Outdoor Channel and My Outdoor TV (MOTV), reaching millions of viewers every week.
• He received numerous awards and honors for his work, including the Golden Moose Award from Outdoor Channel, the Bill Ruger Award from the National Rifle Association (NRA), and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF). He was also inducted into the Outdoor Sportsman Group Hall of Fame in 2018.
• Jim was a staunch supporter of the Second Amendment and the NRA, often promoting their causes and initiatives on his shows. He also mentored many young shooters and journalists in the industry, sharing his wisdom and experience with them.
• He was an avid shooter himself, participating in various competitions and events. He was especially fond of cowboy action shooting and long-range rifle shooting.
• Jim was known for his knowledge of firearms, his journalistic integrity, and his friendly demeanor. He had a firm but gentle voice and a familiar smile that were eagerly welcomed into the homes of America’s shooting enthusiasts for three decades.
• He leaves behind a strong legacy as a tireless defender of shooting, firearms, and our constitutional rights. His voice was unique and powerful; he will be remembered by many as the voice of shooting sports.
• Jim inspired many people to pursue their passion for shooting sports and to stand up for their rights. He was a legend in the industry and will be greatly missed.