    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book I)]
    [June 7, 2008]
    [Page 768]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Death of Jim McKay
    June 7, 2008

        Laura and I were saddened to learn of the
    passing of Jim McKay. For a generation of Americans, Jim was more than
    the much-honored host of ``Wide World of Sports'' and ABC's Olympic
    coverage. He was a talented and eloquent newsman and storyteller whose
    special gift was his ability to make the viewers at home genuinely care
    about more than just who won or lost.
        Jim was at his best during what had to be his most difficult
    assignment, hosting with skill and sensitivity ABC's blanket coverage of
    the 1972 Munich Olympics hostage crisis.
        Off camera, he was a compassionate and generous person and devoted
    family man.
        We are also grateful for Jim's service to his country as a naval
    officer aboard a minesweeper during World War II.
        Our thoughts and prayers are with Jim's wife Margaret, his children Sean and
    Mary, and all of his family and friends.