Jim Lange

1932 - 2014

Jim Lange

The world lost a truly wonderful man on Tuesday, February 25, 2014. Known and beloved by many because of his celebrity, he was cherished and adored most by his family . He had a larger than life spirit, yet was such an incredibly down to earth man. Jim was kind, gentle and openhearted, and moved through life with a grace and authenticity rarely experienced. All who knew him, loved him, and were loved by him, were very blessed. He will be dearly missed.

Jim, born James John Lange, came from humble beginnings. Born in St. Paul, Minnesota, on August 15, 1932 to John and Catherine Lange, he was the eldest son of 3 children. His Polish roots, loving parents, and working class upbringing were all things that made Jim the person he was.

In his early years, he discovered both a love of golf and broadcasting that would carry on as passionate threads throughout his entire life. As a young boy he worked as a golf caddy at a local golf course, and later won the Chick Evans Scholarship to the University of Minnesota, a full tuition and housing scholarship given to deserving caddies across the country. In college he majored in communications and pursued his other passion, radio broadcasting.

In 1956 Jim entered the Marine Corps for a 3-year stint that landed him in Honolulu, Hawaii, where he was the entertainment director on the base. On his way from Minnesota to Hawaii he passed through the Bay Area, thought it was the most beautiful place he had ever seen, and vowed to move here one day. In 1958 he was hired to do the all-night shift at KGO radio and he, his first wife Fay Madigan, and their 3 young children moved across the Golden Gate bridge to Marin County, and settled in Lucas Valley where they lived for 13 years.

Jim joined KSFO radio in January 1960 as afternoon disc jockey during that station's rise as "The World's Greatest Radio Station". He was always very proud and honored to have been a part of the "Golden Age of Radio" in the Bay Area. Jim loved the intimacy of radio and all the people he worked with over the years. He said "it never felt like work… if you do something you love, you will never work a day in your life."

In 1965, while still working at KSFO, Jim began hosting "The Dating Game," which brought him even wider national recognition. He spent many years doing both radio and television and juggling his time between San Francisco and Los Angeles. During this time, and because of his rising celebrity status, he had the rare opportunity to play in the annual Bing Crosby Pro-Am National Golf tournament in Pebble Beach CA. He was invited back each year for the next 15 years, and it was one of the highlights and great joys of his life.

In 1978, he fell in love with and married Nancy Fleming, who was a local television host on the morning show AM San Francisco. They went on to create a beautiful life together for the next 36 years. Jim adored Nancy, helped raise Nancy's children, and was very much a part of their lives. After living in LA from 1984-90, Jim and Nancy moved back to the Bay Area, to Mill Valley, where they have lived ever since.

After his retirement in 2005, Jim & Nancy had the chance to travel all over the world. He experienced far away places, spent more time with his family, enjoyed his grandchildren, and golfed with his good buddies. With all his notoriety he remained humble and unpretentious to the end. He was elected to the Bay Area Radio Hall of Fame in 2006.

Jim was known as "Gentleman Jim" by his fans, and that name was fitting. He was truly a gentle man, and an all-around great human being. He was a public figure who never lost sight of his roots, his humanity or his place in the community. Jim's career longevity and impact on his audience was due, in large part, to the fact that he knew something special — that true communication comes straight from the heart.  

In a special Valentines interview with Jim & Nancy for Marin magazine in 2008 Jim was asked:

How do you want to be remembered?

Jim answered:  "As a gentleman who did his best as a husband, father and performer, and enjoyed life all the way."

He certainly succeeded on all counts!

Jim is survived by his beloved wife Nancy; eldest son Nick, his wife Sarah and their 2 sons Brendan and Travis; daughter Romney Lange and her wife Liz Kalmanson; youngest son Gavin and his wife Pam Drucker; step-daughter Ingrid Carbone, her husband Robert and their children Heath and Claire; stepson Steig Johnson and his partner, Vanessa Kato; and Jim's sister, Midge Lange and her husband, Joel Nelson; and many nieces and nephews and their children in Minnesota.  There is a hole in the universe where Jim Lange once was, but he will live on and shine bright in our hearts forever.

Donations in Jim's name can be made to the charity of your choice.

A private celebration of Jim's life will be planned in the future.