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.

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It's amazing how the sound of someone's voice can become a part of your life. We will miss his presence in our weekend routine and offer our heartfelt sympathies to his family and friends.
Mary and Allen VanHaute - 08/18/2012
Michael and Jim kept us tuning in each week. My favorite part of the show, Jim's The Town of the Week was the grand finale because he showcased each town through the eyes of a willing citizen. I often became anxious when Michael came close to cutting into Jim's time. We were lucky to have listened to you, Jim.
Mary Lyman - 08/18/2012
Like Laurel loosing Hardy or Hardy loosing Laurel. Your listeners everywhere will miss Jim Packard.
Scott Lawrence - 08/18/2012
I'm grateful for the many times I've listened to Jim's amazing voice on the radio. And for the myriad times he's made me laugh and smile. I even got to see him live once in Madison -- a real treat. Bless you, Jim.
andrea - 08/16/2012
Happy Birthday Jim. Wish you were here so we could send you a Boston Terrier birthday card. Miss you lots. Anne & Stan, San Francisco
Anne & Stan Howard - 08/15/2012
The chemistry between Jim and Michael will be missed.
George Ren - 08/14/2012
I just found out that a wonderful voice has left the airwaves. We will miss hearing him here in Pennsylvania. Very sad but glad that he was around for as long as he was.
Ellen & Alan Chack - 08/12/2012
When Whad'Ya Know came to Oregon last year, I went to the stage to speak with Jim after the show. He was wonderful and friendly despite being busy. I learned that he started early in radio as a hockey announcer which I assume most people do not know. Thanks, Jim for the great on-air fun over the years with Michael and being a very nice guy.... john
John (Portland Oregon) - 08/11/2012
It is not the same without Jim.... I listened to hear him, even though Feldman was the host. What a persona. luke
Luke A. Rostocki, MD - 08/11/2012
Just so sad to hear of his passing. He was indeed one of the voices of my Saturdays for a very very long time. The perfect chemistry between Michael and Jim will be so missed! He was a member of what I call, Public Radio's Greatest Generation. Regards to his family and those called him 'friend'. Henry Doll Port Jefferson LI NY Home station WSHU
Henry Doll - 08/11/2012
We are very sad to hear of Jim Packard's passing.Every week that warm and wonderful voice..Such a perfect team and so funny together..We wish his family and friend's strength in such a difficult time..We will still be listening "online" here in the Netherlands, so Michael Feldman ,carry on,we are with you all the way....the O'Toole family
Larry O'Toole - 08/09/2012
Our condolences to the family and friends of Jim. We only knew him by his voice and character over the radio from all his work on Wisconsin Public Radio and Michael Feldman's program. Thank you Jim, for all that you have given to us of yourself. You will be missed.
Alan Chack - 08/05/2012
I'm so glad I attended the June 9th show in New York City. It was a dream of many years to see Whad'Ya Know? in person. I'm sad that that show ended up being Jim's last, but grateful that I got to see him. It will be hard to replace his understated charm. My sympathies to the cast and to Jim's friends and family.
Catherine Torpey - 08/05/2012
Am so sorry to hear about this. I love the show so much.
Benita Ugoline - 08/04/2012
Jim Packard's melodius voice will be sorely missed here on earth but St. Peter will have a great sidekick.
Miriam Cholewczynski - 08/04/2012
I feel as if I have lost a family member. I have listened to the show for many years and will miss not hearing his voice keeping you in line and on time.
Ed Chappell - 08/01/2012
What a shock! I listened regularly to "Whad'Ya Know" for many years from out here in California & then sporadically for the past three years so I had no idea that Jim Packard had passed away. I will miss his calmness during the regular revelry on your show. I especially remember when Michael called him and bugged him while he had the flu ... Jim finally had to hang up on him! It was very funny & silly. Condolences to his family as well.
Kate - 07/28/2012
Thank you for all the joy you've given me, especially the karaoke cover during the Christmas shows. You were a master in patience and grace. You will be missed.
Danice Andrus - 07/27/2012
It is with sadness that I learned of this today - I used to listen to Jim and Michael every week, getting ready for work, and on my way to work, for some years. It was definitely the one of the high spots of my week, and something I looked forward to. When my hours changed, I couldn't catch Whad'Ya Know as often, but still did whenever possible. Jim will be sorely missed....
Roger Phillips - 07/26/2012
JIm served as the perfect counterpoint to Michael. He was easily the "George Fenneman" to Michael's "Groucho." ...Not to mention he had the perfect "announcer's voice" for this type of show. May God bless you, Jim.
Dave Sherman - 07/26/2012
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