IDAHO, USA — The voice of 'Big Jack' Armstrong graced the Gem State's airwaves throughout his 48-year-long career in Idaho radio, making him one of the most recognizable radio personalities throughout the 80's and 90's.
Idaho is mourning the loss of the radio legend, who died last weekend at the age of 69.
Over his career in Idaho radio, Big Jack worked at a number of stations in the Treasure Valley. Like Big Jack's name suggests - he was truly larger than life.
"People would be awestruck when they first met Jack," Dave Arthur, Jack's best friend said. "Because here's the guy they listened to on the radio every day, the wacky guy. And then you meet him in person, and he's just a sweet guy. I would always say that he was big in stature, but his heart was even bigger."
Arthur met Big Jack while working, they were working competing radio stations. The two ended up working together at KF95 and formed a friendship that lasted 37 years.
"Every time that we would say goodbye, there was never a time that we didn't tell each other that we loved each other," Arthur said. "I mean, he's just a man full of love."
Full of love for his friends, family and community - making an impact on the Treasure Valley that reached well beyond the radio world.
"He had a heart for the community," Arthur said. "He did a lot for Make-A-Wish, he did a lot for the Boise Rescue Mission to make sure that they had the things that they needed to serve others here in our community."
Big Jack was also involved in Northwest MotorFest, hosted New Year's celebrations in Downtown Boise, and his voice backed the sounds of revving engines at the Meridian Speedway.
"He always had the right thing to say," Arthur said. "If somebody crashed a car, he would name it, 'Well, that's Camaro Quarter now.' But it was just a lot of fun. He was larger than life."
A larger than life man - with a life well lived.
"I would love Jack to be remembered as a man who who loved people and loved the community that he lived in," Arthur said. "A man who loved his family and loved his friends, and was an encourager, and was always there with a big old bear hug and a big smile on his face."
Big Jack was the brother of former KTVB General Manager Doug Armstrong. Armstrong told KTVB that he will remember Jack for his big personality and big bear hugs, and that Jack loved his family and was a great brother.
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