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, men's clothing sales 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.

Send us your comments about Jim including any favorite shows or moments and we'll share some of them with other listeners. See their comments below. Your Name: May we display your name with your comment? Yes | No Enter your comments below: Comments have a 500 character limit. Characters remaining are:

I miss Jim Packard! I loved his voice and the fact that SOMEONE could corral Michael. He was the quiet guy who had his pulse on all the goings on. My sympathies go out to his family and all the friends of Whad'Ya Know and of course to Michael and show members. There is a warm spot in all our hearts for Jim Packard. Our lives have all blessed by his.
Mary Catherine Price - 07/25/2012
jim we will really miss you, i hope mike can still do the show. i am really sorry.
mike rieff - 07/23/2012
How hard it must be for you, Michael, and the entire Whad'ya Know family to look cheerfully into the future without your dear friend beside you. Let me say, as part of your radio family, I miss Jim as if I'd always known him. Perhaps I have, since I found your show in the early 90's. My thoughts and shared sadness are with you. Keep telling the story and the memories will make you laugh! Love, Mary Cox
Mary Cox - 07/21/2012
My whole family has listened to the show for many years, and I was on it and interviewed around 14 years ago. Jim was very kind to me, getting me seated up front, as I was using a cane due to knee replacement. Jim was the perfect partner and straight man for Michael. I am listening to an old show with Jim on it right now. What a kind, good man he was... we will all miss him greatly, he was like an old friend.
Peggy Cartwright - 07/21/2012
Since I started listening 14 years ago, Jim was a familiar counterpoint on the show that kept me company from the start of my undergraduate onwards. I will miss him.
Ram from UCLA - 07/21/2012
Jim was such a seamless part of the Whad'Ya Know program that I often missed his quick wit. So I was very pleased to begin listening to the show in podcast form, then I didn't miss any of the fun from Jim or Michael. My favorite memory may be the office holiday party, when Jim could really shine at karaoke! My deepest sympathies to his wife and family, and all of his colleagues at WPR, especially Michael Feldman.
Steven Brown - 07/20/2012
His voice was comfort food to my tired ears on Michael Feldman's show just like meatloaf is to my empty tummy. He was very special and easy to listen to and kept the show moving. He will be missed by many.
Jan Wortinger - 07/19/2012
Saturdays will be missing some fun now.
Anonymous - 07/19/2012
I'm shocked and saddened to hear of Jim's passing. His banter with Michael was always a special part of the show. Our NPR station bailed on WYK last year, so I only recently started listening online; tuning into the last show, I said where's Jim? A search confirmed my worst fears; Mike Arnold did a good job, but I can't think how heartsick WPR family must feel over this loss. I'm a long time fam of WYK and Jim's presence is irreplaceable.PLEASE CARRY ON IN HIS MEMORY WITH HEART AND SOUL!!
Craig Balmer - 07/17/2012
I've listened to the perfect match between Michael, host, and Jim, the announcer since the mid 80s. A delicious and fun combination of great timing, imaginative range of guests and skits, and an obvious warm friendship that always made me feel welcome. I will miss him, the voice and the banter with Michael, very much.
Jim Burton - 07/16/2012
My wife grew up in Wisconsin and listened to "the funny guy" every week. I was a latecomer to the show, listening for the last 5 years here in Seattle. We both mourn the loss of Jim Packard. Jim's kindness and wit are so intermingled with Michael and the show, that today, as I listened; I felt I could hear his voice. We will always remember you Jim. Thank you for all the joy you brought to our lives.
Mark Thomas - 07/15/2012
Listening to Jim and Michael on Whad'Ya Know? is one of my favorite memories. Prayers for his family and friends.
J Hyden, Lexington, Ky - 07/15/2012
We had not heard about Jim. We were listening to Whad'Ya Know Sat 07/14/12 and there was a different announcer. We weere hoping Jim retired or was on vacation or something. Went on line this morning and saw the news. A great loss! Will definately miss his voice and work. RIP Jim!!
Jim Pafford - 07/15/2012
I'm from England, have lived in the States for 10 years now. I listen to NPR quite a lot, and the voice of Jim Packard was and will be just a part of a wonderful listening experience to me - the eulogy from Michael Feldman had me tearing up in my car that morning - rst well, Mr Packard. And keep up the fabulous work in radio guys...
Jon Moss - 07/14/2012
He was a pleasure and will be missed. Jim...Thank You.
Don G - 07/13/2012
Mr. Packard was true radio presence from the "old school," calming and reassuring to guests. I wish I could have worked with him.
Robert - 07/12/2012
So saddened to hear of Jim's passing. What a voice and a perfect, unflappable foil to Michael's efforts. Fortunately, I was able to see a WYK show live and witness the pair in action. A memorable event involving a memorable person. God bless Jim's family and friends.
John Manhollan - 07/11/2012
Jim Packard's unexpected death brought tears to my eyes. All the previous comments have said everything.
Lloyd Dennis - 07/10/2012
What a sad news. I have been listening to Whad'Ya Know for the last five years and I just found out listening to the show online about this news. Always loved how Jim took Michael's ribbing. Love the show and will miss Jim on the show.
Ashish D - 07/10/2012
Have been listening to Whad'Ya Know? since 1995 and finally saw a show at Monona Terrace in 2010. Jim added so much character to the show from his fantastic intros (that put Ed McMahon to shame) to his terrific exchanges with Michael. His space will never be filled but will always be present on the show. That is as it should be! RIP Jim Packard!
Steve Mathews - 07/10/2012
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