Jim Birge, the creator of Long Beach’s long-running Jeopardy! Tournament of Champions, recently passed away. This came out just a few weeks after he got to visit the Jeopardy! stage. At the time, he revealed a connection to one of the show’s hosts, all the while touching the heart of another.
This Past Saturday’s Jeopardy! Tournament of Champions Also Served As A Tribute To Jim Birge
Birge was a retired teacher who passed away on Friday, June 5. This was just hours before Long Beach, California’s Jeopardy!‘s Tournament of Champions wrapped up its 25th season.
Birge had created this annual middle school tournament, which sees students answer rapid-fire clues much like on the game show. Reportedly, the event, which took place the following Saturday, was reworked as a tribute to Birge.
According to ABC7, a speaker shared, “To the hundreds and hundreds of students who have been able to play and feel good about learning and honor the legacy of Jim and the continued success of the greatest school show ever made, Jeopardy!” Previously, Birge shared that this year’s tournament would be his last, as he was battling pancreatic cancer.
Earlier this year, Birge himself and the tournament went viral, catching the interest of the game show. Following this, he was able to visit the set, even getting a chance to meet host Ken Jennings.
Birge Previously Shared That Late Jeopardy! Host Alex Trebek Was An Inspiration For Him
At the time, Jennings shared, “I love to hear about classroom Jeopardy! What Jim’s been doing, we’re honored. That’s the next generation of Jeopardy! contestants. That’s where our next players are going to come from, programs like that.”
Birge had a few connections to the show. He sister in-law was a contestant on it, with his brother playing the trumpet in the theme song. He also shared that he felt a personal connection to former host Alex Trebek, as he also faced his own pancreatic cancer battle. Trebek tragically lost his life in 2020 at the age of 80.
Speaking with the outlet, Birge himself noted, “Don’t know if I would have done that if Alex had not continued to work. Definitely an inspiration.”
Birge was 78 at the time of his death, around four weeks after he visited the game show’s set. He is survived by his wife, Donna Bergeron, and their children and grandchildren, as well as other loved ones.
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John Witiw has been a writer since at least 2015. He’s covered a variety of topics, especially when it comes to film and television.