Jean Sheppard, RIP

[Pete Kemp <kempp@bethel.k12.ct.us>]

Jean Shepherd dead at 78 

Jean Shepherd, the prolific radio storyteller, died early Saturday. He was
78. 

Shepherd spent 21 years on 50,000-watt WOR-AM in New York City, attracting
a large, loyal
following along the Eastern seaboard. He worked without a script, conjuring
tales based on his
Indiana upbringing, creating characters like his alter-ego, Ralph Parker,
and his neighbors, the
Bumpuses. 

`He began his radio career at age 16, doing weekly sportscasts for a local
station. 

Shepherd served in World War II in the Army Signal Corps. His interest in
the technical side of radio was also present. I had the pleasure of
chatting with him on the amateur radio a number of times. His call was K2ORS. 

The station's powerful signal attracted diehard Shepherd-philes from Canada
to Florida.

Jean, RIP