Jay Randolph Jr., a well-known sportscaster, died on November 18 of liver cancer at the age of 53. Randolph Jr. was diagnosed with cancer nine days ago. Following Jay’s passing, his former colleague and lifelong friend Dave Greene established a GoFundMe campaign to raise $50,000 for his burial costs. According to the description on the page:
“I am heartbroken to have to inform you that cancer has stolen one of my dearest friends.” Jay Randolph Jr. died early today after a brief but grueling struggle. Jay led an incredible life, and we were all so fortunate to be a part of it. These were unforgettable occasions. I take comfort in knowing that he impacted so many lives and made so many people laugh that he will never be forgotten.”
The Great Jay Randolph Jr. passed away this morning.
The grandson of a US Senator and the son of a Hall of Famer, Jay was an everyman on the air.
Even though he is gone way too soon, his legacy of being a brilliant storyteller with a signature laugh will live forever. pic.twitter.com/qLULZjiX5g
— Tim McKernan (@tmckernan) November 18, 2022
Jay Randolph Jr.’s cancer diagnosis
Jay Randolph Jr. died of liver cancer. He announced his sickness on the program The Morning After a week ago, saying:
“I found out on October 21 that I had liver cancer, I think primarily.”
Randolph had indicated that he required a few tests and that he had been informed he only had three or four months to live at the time. He died on November 18, sadly. Jay’s brother, Brian, said that his brother passed away peacefully and that Pathways Palliative and Hospice Care was always there to console him. Brian added that there was no suffering or anguish, and that family member who arrived from out of town were able to say their last goodbyes to Jay. Tim McKernan, co-host of The Morning After, also expressed thanks for Jay’s announcement of liver cancer on the program.
Jay Randolph Jr. hosted a number of programs.
On September 19, 1934, Jay Randolph Jr. was born. In 1952, he enrolled at The George Washington University and became a member of the Delta Tau Delta International Fraternity. In 1958, he began his broadcasting career as an announcer and sports director for the Clarksburg radio station. Before joining the St. Louis Rams, he played for the West Virginia Mountaineers, Dallas Cowboys, and SMU Mustangs. Randolph Jr. started his career in 1966 as a staff announcer for KMOX radio, and from 1967 until 1988 he served as an announcer and sports director for KSD television.
Jay Randolph Jr. rose to prominence during the 1970s and 1980s for his work on NBC Sports, where he announced events such as the National Football League, college football, college basketball, three Olympic Games, Major League Baseball, the PGA Tour, and LGPA gold, the Breeders’ Cup, and the Professional Bowlers Association.
From 1997 through 2000, Randolph Jr. anchored the Marlins’ TV pregame program and televised golf games for CNBC and The Golf Channel. In 2011, he served as a features reporter and interviewer for Fox Sports Midwest’s Cardinals broadcasts. In 2005, Jay was inducted into the Texas Radio Hall of Fame, and in 2008, he was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame. Jay’s parents, Jay and Sue Randolph, his brother Brian, sister Rebecca, daughter Grace, son Jennings IV, and wife Amy LaBelle survive him.
