Tuesday, September 4, 2018

R.I.P.: Former WJR Personality Jimmy Launce

Jimmy Launce- 1965
James K. Lontz, also known as "Jimmy Launce" of Lakewood Ranch, Florida formerly of Farmington Hills, Michigan passed away on Tuesday August 28, 2018 at the age of 84.

Launce was the host of his daily radio program in Detroit on WJR  760 AM.

For 38 years his popular radio show was rated #1 in Michigan in his time slot and heard by thousands across America and Canada. His variety program was known for his personal style of comedy, interviews with controversial figures, news-makers of the day.

On his live broadcasts, he was known for outlandish stunts such as strapping himself into a harness outside the windows of the station's sky scraper location to describe and experience a window washer's vocation. Jimmy flew a jet fighter while describing the experience through a microphone in his oxygen mask. He connected with his audience who thought of him as a friend. Listeners named their new-born daughters after his infectious radio theme song, GINA.

Launce was the host of the Detroit TV broadcasts of the Children's Miracle Network Telethon. He was a popular after-dinner speaker, stage and film actor, writer and voice from instructional and educational videos, nature films, as well as, national and international radio and television commercials. He was chosen by the Shriver Family to serve as master of ceremonies for the Special Olympics at Central Michigan University and on CBS Television.

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