WPR Releases Statement on Jim Packard's Passing

By: Jun. 19, 2012
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Wisconsin Public Radio is sad to announce the death of our longtime friend and colleague, Jim Packard. Jim retired from WPR in December 2010, where he served as a producer and fill-in host on The Larry Meiller Show. His warm, friendly voice was heard throughout the day on station announcements and each weekend on Michael Feldman's Whad'Ya Know?.

"We're all deeply saddened by the news," said WPR Director Mike Crane. "We loved Jim, and Jim returned that love to his colleagues and to listeners everywhere."

For WPR host, Larry Meiller, Jim was a true radio professional, colleague and friend. "As a producer, he was adept at finding exactly the right guest for any topic. As an on-air host, his manner put guests at ease and his questions were alwaysspot on." The two shared an office before Jim retired. "He had a wonderful sense of humor...I so enjoyed sharing an office with him. Most important he was a wonderful friend for me and many, many others. He will truly be missed," Meiller added.

Jim's life included service in the Army and work in insurance and commercial radio before joining WPR as a news reader in 1981. In 1985, his life on the radio changed forever when Michael Feldman asked him to be part of a new comedy quiz show, Whad'Ya Know?. The show became a national hit and, through it, Jim helped millions of listeners pass their weekends with a smile.

"Jim was my only successful long-term relationship," Whad'Ya Know? host Michael Feldman said. "He was simply the best and irreplaceable," he concluded. For 27 years, Jim kept Whad'Ya Know on time and Michael on track. He kept score and awarded prizes for the quiz and took listeners to the "Town of the Week." He stood by Michael's side, taking the jabs and barbs of the host with grace. His final performance was a live Whad'Ya Know? broadcast from New York City on June 9, 2012.

WPR is setting up a tribute page on their website, wpr.org. Listeners and fans will be able to leave their thoughts about Jim and read those of others. Look for the link on the home page later on today, June 19.

 


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