Jim Irwin
Jim Irwin began his broadcast career in 1964 as sports director at WLUK-TV, Green Bay, and moved to WTMJ-AM, Milwaukee in 1969. During that time, Irwin became “the” sports play-by-play announcer in Wisconsin serving as the radio voice of the Green Bay Packers beginning in 1975, after completing six years as color analyst on Packer radio broadcasts; as voice of the Milwaukee Bucks beginning in 1979; and as voice of University of Wisconsin Badger football from 1969 to 1990. Chief among Irwin’s many honors is the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association Award as Wisconsin Sportscaster of the year which he won TEN time in 1975, ’76, ’78, ’80, ’83, ’84, ’85, ’86, ’88 and ’89. In addition to his year around play-by-play duties, Irwin also delivered WTMJ’s regular sports news and commentary during morning drive time.
Jim Irwin passed away on January 23, 2012.
I first met Jim when I came to work at WLUK-TV in 1967. We had both graduated from the University of Missouri, and he gave me some career advice that I always remembered: “If they don’t give you a raise, they are trying to tell you something.” Inflation was high and raises were needed to keep up. I appreciated that nugget from someone a few years ahead of me.
I went off to the Air Force for five years, and when I returned to Green Bay, Jim’s career had taken off. His familiar voice was everywhere, a welcome sound made sweeter by the fact that we had worked together.
Years later, at a Busse Broadcasting managers’ meeting in Muskegon, we ran into Jim who was there to take in a play. So much time had passed. I was impressed that he recognized me and a few others after all the years. And we were so pleased to exchange a few words and best wishes. He will always be missed and long remembered.