By Greg O’Connor, WKHM

Four years ago, I received a phone call — I was barely awake in the middle of the afternoon, but I knew immediately the caller was very distressed. The caller said simply, “Jamie is dead. They found Jamie dead.” With that, things in Jackson radio and at McKibbin Media Group would never be the same.

Jamie McKibbin, known to everyone as The Big Dog, had passed away along with his great friend Bud Miller in a tragic boating accident. It was an unspeakable loss for many people, certainly no more than his loving wife Katina, and Walker, the son he cherished. He was a tremendous family man.

The community would also suffer as Jamie’s radio abilities in all areas were unmatched. He had all aspects covered – a huge personality on the air, ability to manage, sales and marketing skills, and he was on top of the bottom line — the true radio package, if you will. His love of local radio made him a true superstar in the community.

We still have not fully recovered from that terrible day four years ago, as Jamie is irreplaceable. His wife Katina could have called it quits in radio. Nobody would have questioned her, but she chose to continue Jamie’s passion. Thank you Katina and her key hire Dennis Worden who have kept these legendary stations up and running.

If you knew Jamie, you knew hunting, fishing, and the outdoors was beyond a passion for him. I happened across some sound from 6 or 7 years ago of the ol’ Big Dog talking about a deer cull which was being debated by Summit Township. It’s classic Jamie… take a listen.