Jim Goodmon attended Duke University, but left for the Navy before obtaining a degree. While serving his enlistment in Memphis, TN, he met and married Barbara Lyons. Jim Goodmon learned the business of broadcasting at the knee of his grandfather A.J. Fletcher—founder of Capitol Broadcasting Company. Upon his return to North Carolina in 1968, Goodmon was named Operations Manager at WRAL-TV. In 1973 he took on corporate responsibilities as Executive Vice President of Capitol Broadcasting Company. In 1975 he became CBC’s President and in 1979 he was named President & CEO of the company. In September 2007, Goodmon named his son, Jimmy Goodmon, as President & COO, while the elder Goodmon remained CEO and Board Chair.