Why People Connect with Authentic Joy
Jim Kobos joins Oui Talk Raw for a conversation about finding purpose in unexpected places.
Known throughout Charlotte as “The Dancing Usher,” Jim never set out to become recognizable. He simply took on part-time work at local sporting events to help support his family. What happened next was something nobody could have predicted.
Over time, fans began recognizing him, taking photos with him, and looking forward to seeing his infectious energy at games and events throughout the city.
In this episode, Jennifer Busco explores how authenticity, positivity, and showing up as yourself can create connections that reach far beyond what we imagine. Jim shares stories from his years working with the Knights, Checkers, Hornets, and more, along with reflections on family, work, and the simple power of making people smile.
This is a conversation about joy, humility, and the unexpected ways ordinary people can leave an extraordinary impact.
How a Part-Time Job Became a Charlotte Story
Jim Kobos
Born 3/8/1962 in Oak Lawn, IL. At nine moved to Vancouver, WA. At 13 moved to Greensboro and lived in NC since then. Grimsley 1980, UNC 1984. I have four fantastic sons, the last are twins who pitched in MiLB until injuries ended their careers. I’ve been in banking/ finance since college. I started with the knights in 2013 to help with college expenses, then checkers in 2014. In 2017 somebody with the Hornets saw me at the Knights and said I should work for them as well. Did the Panthers one year, it was too much going forward with Charlotte FC coming the next and more concerts on the way. I’m a pretty boring old guy, working in the accounting dept for Founders FCU in Lancaster. Want to make it three more years until I’m 67. I’m a pretty boring old dude, never imagined I could do what I do.
Key Takeaways
- What began as a part-time job with the Charlotte Knights evolved into a beloved game-day tradition across Charlotte sports venues.
- Jim Kobos believes fans may forget the score, but they’ll always remember how an experience made them feel.
- Faith and service play a major role in his approach, as he views every game as an opportunity to share positivity and encouragement.
- The conversation serves as a reminder that small acts of kindness can create lasting memories and meaningful impact.
- Community is often built through simple shared experiences, whether it’s a dance, a laugh, or a moment of human connection.
- Jim’s story proves that purpose doesn’t always come from a title or career—it can come from showing up, being yourself, and bringing joy to others.
When Jennifer Busco sat down with Jim Kobos on Oui Talk Raw, the conversation quickly became about more than dancing. Known throughout Charlotte as “The Dancing Usher,” Jim has become a familiar face at Hornets, Knights, and Checkers games, creating memorable moments for fans with his energy, humor, and genuine love for people. What started as a part-time job to help cover college expenses for his four sons grew into an unexpected mission of bringing joy to others.
Turning Game Days Into Lasting Memories
Jim explained that his dancing evolved naturally while working games with the Charlotte Knights. During breaks in the action, he started moving to the music and interacting with fans. The response was immediate. People smiled, joined in, and began looking for him at future games.
Jennifer highlighted how unusual it is for an usher to become a fan favorite, but Jim believes it comes down to creating memorable experiences. Inspired by advice from a former Knights executive, he focuses less on the score and more on how people feel when they leave the stadium.
“By the time people get to their car, they’re going to forget what the score is. Maybe in three days they’ll forget who won, but they’re never going to forget the feeling that they had while they were there.”
The Impact of Making Someone Smile
As the conversation deepened, Jennifer explored how being the Dancing Usher changed Jim’s life. He shared that what started as a side job became something much bigger—a way to connect with people and lift their spirits, even if only for a few hours.
One of the most emotional moments came when Jim recalled meeting a woman at a Hornets game who had recently been diagnosed with terminal cancer. After dancing and enjoying the game, she thanked him for helping her forget her situation for a few hours. Stories like that remind Jim why he continues to show up and share his energy with others.
For Jim, joy isn’t about being the center of attention. It’s about helping people let go of stress, connect with those around them, and enjoy the moment.
“If you feel like dancing, dance, life’s too short.”
Embracing Who You Are
Jennifer’s thoughtful questions led Jim to reflect on personal growth and self-acceptance. Over the years, he has learned to embrace exactly who he is rather than trying to fit someone else’s expectations. That authenticity is part of what fans connect with so strongly.
Today, Jim is recognized throughout Charlotte not because he’s an athlete or entertainer, but because he consistently brings positivity wherever he goes. His story is a reminder that making a difference doesn’t require fame—it simply requires showing up, being yourself, and caring about the people around you.
