[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 12 (Friday, January 20, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E145-E146]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                         TRIBUTE TO EDDY JASON

                                 ______


                             HON. TOBY ROTH

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 20, 1995
  Mr. ROTH. Mr. Speaker, last weekend one of our communities lost a 
vibrant personality and talented broadcaster. Eddy Jason, whose radio 
program was an important part of daily life in Green Bay, WI, passed 
away at the age of 92.
  For 47 years, Eddy entertained, comforted, and informed listeners on 
WGEE radio with his daily show, ``Partyline.'' He was a lifeline to 
people in the community, who counted on him for news, information, and 
just plain old advice. He possessed an amazing amount of common 
knowledge and common sense. There wasn't any question he couldn't 
answer.
  He played a special role for many seniors in the area, who turned to 
him every weekday at 9 a.m. for the latest word on current events and 
happenings around town.
  His off-the-air personality was also geared toward helping his 
community. He was a regular participant in my annual senior seminar, 
kicking off the proceedings with the Pledge of Allegiance or a brief 
presentation.
  He was a household name in the Green Bay area and enjoyed the 
recognition. On the street, he was probably more recognizable by 
[[Page E146]] his voice than his face, but people felt like they knew 
him. Eddy was an exercise walker, and his routine consisted of walking 
one way and busing back. He said he took the bus because he enjoyed 
getting to know people.
  A native of New York, he loved Green Bay and always spoke highly of 
its friendly, hardworking people. In 1941, Eddy spent 6 years as a 
military instructor in the Army. He returned to Green Bay in 1947 as a 
young actor, whose profession had already led him to Chicago and 
Hollywood, where he starred in a number of silent films.
  Eddy made his mark in Wisconsin in the Town Hall Players, an acting 
group based in LaCrosse that made more than 300 appearances across the 
State. Eddy fondly remembered the job's best fringe benefit--the free 
meal offered at many of the engagements.
  Eddy broke into Green Bay radio with a noon-time program called ``The 
Farm Hands'' that broadcast from the top of the Bellin Building. Every 
day the show was kicked off by a live, barking dog. It was less than 
glamorous but he reveled in radio.
  ``Partyline'' debuted in November 1948 on WBAY Radio. With partner 
Roger Mueller, Eddy began a Green Bay tradition of on-the-air 
storytelling, joking, and reporting.
  Eddy Jason had no plans to retire. He loved his job and his 
coworkers. He didn't even consider his radio show work. He called it a 
hobby.
  He was on the air 5 days a week and never missed a wedding 
anniversary or birthday announcement.
  Eddy Jason will be remembered by many as not just a broadcasting 
pioneer, but as an outstanding human being who cared deeply about the 
community where he lived and worked.
  Our thoughts and prayers today are with his son, Wallace McDonald, 
his six grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren.
  After 47 years, the airwaves will seem a little empty without Eddy 
Jason's kind voice. For years to come, the people of Green Bay will not 
be able to turn on their radios without thinking of him. He will be 
fondly remembered and sincerely missed.


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