Former Packers radio announcer Irwin dies

GREEN BAY - A former long-time voice of the Packers and Packers Hall of Famer, has died.

Sunday night, Jim Irwin passed away at the age of 77.

His wife, Gloria, says Irwin died of complications from kidney cancer at their home in Southern California.

His legacy will live on in Titletown and the state, as a voice fans say they will never forget.

He was once the face of the sports here at TV-11, but Jim Irwin's 30 year career with the Packers is what fans remember most.

Fans remember listening to Irwin alongside former Packer Max McGee. The two worked together for more than 20 years.

Fans say the two were the reason they listened to the Packers through the good times and the bad.

"They were, at that time, kind of the heart of the Packers," said Beth Winkel of Green Bay. "They brought fans to the Packers through the radio. They made it come alive."

Before his time with the Pack, Irwin worked at WLUK for five years.

He moved on to WTMJ in 1969, where he started working on Packers radio broadcasts.

In 1975, he took over play-by-play duties.  

Irwin and McGee, both Packers Hall of Famers, retired together after the '98 season and were honored on the field during their last game at Lambeau.

Packers President Mark Murphy released this statement after hearing the news of his death: "The Packers organization was saddened today to hear of the passing of Jim Irwin. Jim was great friend to the Packers family over the years, particularly for the 24 seasons he was the play-by-play voice of the Packers Radio Network. During Jim's Hall-of-Fame career, Packers fans all over the state were riveted by his calls."

Former Packers president Bob Harlan says Irwin's professionalism and love for the team is something that will never be forgotten.

"He just meant a lot to us," Harlan said. "People that I know turned off the TV sound so they could listen to Jim and Max do the game.  In fact, the Packers executive committee in the booth at the stadium used to turn down the sound on the TV and listen to Jim and Max. Jim was a huge part of this organization and its tradition."

Irwin also called Milwaukee Bucks and Wisconsin Badgers games.

He was also recognized as Wisconsin sports Announcer of the Year 10 times.