Eugene OR Radio: Host Jack Fleming Retires

Jack Fleming - 1957

After nearly 59 years in the business, Eugene, OR radio host Jack Fleming has retired at 81.

Fleming told KVAL-TV13 News he's loved radio since he was a child. He remembers playing with his train set and listening to radio dramas.

Jack Fleming KWAX

He began his career as a radio host in 1957. He worked in Connecticut and Los Angeles before he received a life-changing phone call for a job offer in Eugene.

"And if I might say exactly what I asked him, I said where in the 'H' is Eugene, Oregon?" Fleming said.

Although Eugene was smaller and rainier than he would have liked, it was a job he couldn't refuse. He signed KPNW 1120 AM , a 50,000 watt radio station, onto the air for the first time.

"So, to have a 50,000 watt station in a little bird like Eugene - that was quite a big deal," Fleming said.

 His family moved to Eugene, planning to stay for just two years. "By the time two years was up, I was used to the rain. So we stayed here. I've been here since 1967," he said.

Fleming was the first voice on KPNW, but also worked at KUGN 590 AM and capped his career after 31 years of hosting for non-com KWAX 91.1 FM, where he made quite the name for himself.