James Thomas Hetzer was known throughout the world for lavish productions such as his "Carnival on Ice" and "Japanese Spectacular.” He booked acts on the highest-rated variety shows on national television, including "The Ed Sullivan Show" and "Jackie Gleason.”
Hetzer’s promising career as a tap dancer and musician was interrupted by World War II when he teamed with Mickey Rooney and Bruce Paul to become part of a small experimental army unit traveling to entertain troops on the front lines.
Returning to Huntington after the war, Hetzer launched Hetzer Theatrical Productions. From offices on the third floor of the first national arcade, he produced some of the country's greatest road shows and took enormous pleasure in promoting local talent.
Hetzer was an active member of St. Peter's Episcopal Church and a creative organizer of community affairs. As president of the West Virginia Association of Fairs, he originated and directed the Kyova Tri-State Fair. As a member of the Huntington Chamber of Commerce, he contributed countless hours to the development and success of the early river regattas.
