KMPC: Jim Lange

When I was hired at 710/KMPC in August of 1987, one of the first people I got introduced to was afternoon drive personality Jim Lange. He is best-known as the longtime host of “The Dating Game”, among numerous other game shows. He was cordial and very friendly as we shook hands. That’s something that didn’t change in the 3 years I was associated with him.

In addition to game shows and radio, Jim also has an extensive sports background. He was a longtime color commentator with the San Francisco 49ers radio team. He goes back to the time when they played home games at Kezar Stadium, and John Brodie was their quarterback.

He loves golf. I would sometimes go into the KMPC newsroom, a large room with 4 desks and a few teletypes off to the side, and would hear Jim and News Director Bob Steinbrink talking about golf the same way any two guys would be talking about the NBA or football. He attended many PGA events, sometimes participating either as a pro-am or an MC.

He was in Hog Heaven when he got hired as a part-time golf commentator by ESPN. I remember seeing him that day. He was lark-happy. And very deserving.

He was very knowledgeable about sports. He talked with me and other staffers about any sport there was. And with expertise. I would throw obscure baseball trivia at him, and he usually always got it right. And always with a smile because I didn’t get him on a tough question.

He very much had a rascally sense of humor. One time, I walked by a bulletin board in the hallway, and there, thumbtacked to the board, was a picture of former Nicaraguan dictator Manuel Noriega’s mug shot, clipped from a newspaper. Someone had written a caption that read: “Dave Gaytan after using NutriSystem.” I did need to lose a few pounds then, and NutriSystem was a major advertiser on KMPC.

I wasn’t mad. I have a sense of humor, but I wondered who did it, and figured no one would own up to it. A few minutes later, Jim walks out of the control room, sees me, has a bad mood-type of look on his face, and I figure I better not bother him. Suddenly, the look on his face morphs into a big smile and he starts laughing. He ‘fessed up. He had done it. We were both laughing.

In addition to hosting The Dating Game, Jim also worked for Chuck Barris Productions in other projects. One such project was a variety show for the military called “Operation: Entertainment”, which would bring shows for the troops to various stateside military installations. Jim, a former Marine officer, had no problem taking on that assignment.

At the time, Chuck Barris, thanks in large part to The Gong Show, was considered something of a controversial figure. I asked Jim if he liked Chuck Barris, and would he work for him again, and to both he said “Hell, yes!”

I don’t know if Jim would agree with me, but he’s led something of a charmed life. His one and only wife Nancy is a former Miss America. How often do you run into somebody who’s married to a former Miss America?

Jim left Golden West Broadcasters in 1990, after a 31-year affiliation. I couldn’t attend the going-away party, but I did see him in his office as he was cleaning his items out, and I told him I loved working with him, that I thought he was a great guy, and that I hope our paths would cross again somewhere down the road. None of that has changed on my part.

Jim took a radio job in San Francisco after leaving KMPC. I understand that he has now retired. I’m sure he’s getting a lot of golf in.

Hard to believe that later this year, Jim will turn 75. If anyone should stay 40 forever, it’s him. I was lucky to meet him. I was luckier to know him. I wish I had stayed in touch with him.

If anyone was a star at The Station of the Stars, it was definitely Jim Lange.