Jack Popejoy, longtime radio news anchor, dies at 63

Jack Popejoy, a longtime Los Angeles radio anchor and reporter most recently with KNX-AM (1070), died Saturday of cancer at his home in Sherman Oaks, the station announced. He was 63.

Popejoy was a morning news anchor on KNX since February 2009 and was on the air until late January. He also worked at KFWB-AM (980) from 1986 to 2009.

Born in Austin, Texas, in 1947, Popejoy began his professional broadcasting career after graduating from Amherst College with a degree in astronomy.

He worked at stations in Boston and Philadelphia before starting to work in radio in Southern California during the 1970s. He also was a television news director and anchor in San Francisco before joining KCOP-TV Channel 13 as a reporter and fill-in anchor in 1983.

-- Keith Thursby

 Photo: Jack Popejoy

Comments

[Paul M. Mock]

When the earth shook violently that early January 1994 morning and I was alone in the dark in an apartment filled with broken glass,overturned bookshelves and two cats whom I could not find in the dark to see if they were OK, I turned to KFWB radio. There was Jack calmly yet firmly telling me what was going on, what to do and what to expect once dawn arrived. It was Jack and Jack alone who kept me sane and safe during that long, long period of darkness into light. I remain forever grateful for what he did that morning. I wrote a "thank you" letter to Jack. He responded telling me he had framed the letter and hung it on is office wall! Thanks for all you did while you were among us here on earth, Jack. Rest in peace.

[Bob Beecher]

Jack was a true friend to all who serve in emergency services and the emergency management community. His passion for science and knowledge of earthquakes and their effects on our lives was a great benefit to those listeners lucky to hear Jack, either on air or in person. He will truly be missed.

[Bradley]

Bless his family he was a key member of the L A experience.

[jjtbwriter]

My tears and sympathy for the family and friends of Jack Popejoy. He talked all of us Southern Californians through many a early morning tremor or earthquake. He was a kind and thoughtful presence who reassured us that everything was okay, and I am so grateful to have grown up with his voice in both good and stressful times.

[Jackie m]

I once asked Jack why he wanted to be a reporter. He told me he had a gift and was able to take a complicated situation and explain it so anyone could understand it. He truly wanted to help the world understand complex issues. I think that was what I loved about him most. He cared.
When he was a kid (15 or so) he would ride his bike to school. He walked it trough a department store where he was fascinated with the activity of a radio program being broadcast from inside. I asked him about this several times because it seemed weird. Eventually he talked the guys into teaching him how to work the equipment and that's where he began his career.
His parents, both literally "rocket scientists," were very proud when he graduated from Amhurst with a degree in Astronomy, but his love for reporting the news lasted a lifetime. He left a hole in my heart.

[Brian]

Man, this comes as a shock, as others have mentioned.... Jack had a calming voice and was a sharp wit etc.
I listened to him when he was on KFWB.

RIP - Your voice and soul will be missed.

[Kathie Klass]

I was shocked and sadden when I learned of Jack loss. He was a superb reporter who served his morning drive audience well. It was important to him to share changes taking place in the government, and he was willing to do stories on programs that would impact his morning drive listeners such as: car recalls; child safety seat policy changes; the transition from analog to digital TV and where to apply for converter box coupons, nutrition assistance programs; and most recently the Recovery Act grants and loans. He was a brilliant man, who loved being a reporter. I was lucky to have known him as a friend. He will be sorely missed. Kathie K

[Michael Ambrosini]

Some years back when I was a reporter, I was covering an event for KNX Radio. I overheard two camera guys from L-A tv stations talking about Jack. One admitted he'd never met Jack and wondered aloud what the guy was like.
The other - longtime L-A cameraman, said: "Well, he's like this: you come running up to him and say, 'Jack, I'm so sorry man! I just heard that a bunch of drug-wasted bikers broke into your home, killed your family, and set the house on fire. You've lost everything!' And Jack would say, 'Oh, that's horrible! Just AWFUL! ........... Hey, how are YOU doing? You okay?"

[Ron]

When you hear him on the radio, it was like listening to an old friend or chattin' with your next door neighbor, he always had a very clam and natural voice when things crazy around you! RIP Jack, we're gonna miss you!