For years, Jim Paschke brought out of himself a man with charisma, talent, and a great voice to serve as a commentator from the 1970s to 2021. His work led to announcing for Milwaukee Brewers on TV, Big Ten football announcements as well as becoming the TV voice for the American professional basketball team, Milwaukee Bucks.
Having drawn as much attention to himself and contributing his quota to sports of different sorts for more than 4 decades, Paschke retired in 2021.
10 Incredible Facts About 74 Jim Paschke
1. He Was a Shy Kid
Jim Paschke was born James Paschke on November 21, 1950, in Minnesota. At the age of one, his family moved to Twin Cities.
Growing up, he was shy and did not think he’d ever use the microphone to talk to as many people as he has in the course of his career. But after exposing himself to TV broadcasting, he started to work towards making a career out of it.
2. He Started His Career on Radio After College
His love for sports opened him up to different games and by the time he was 14, he started to work at the ballpark for Twins and Vikings games. This however did not take his heart away from baseball, hockey, basketball, and American football.
For his education, Paschke attended the University of Minnesota and also headed to Brown Institute. After his studies, he kicked his career as a radio broadcaster in Knoxville, Iowa before later heading to become a TV caster.
3. He is Considered as One of Wisconsin’s Greatest NBA TV Play-by-Play Announcer
The Bloomington native is most famous for his announcing career with Milwaukee Bucks for 35 years. His career was a successful one while his expertise cannot be denied.
His enormous contributions have won him many names that include winning the Winsconsin Sportscaster of the Year Award as well as being dubbed the greatest Wisconsin NBA TV play-by-play announcer.
His other awards include:
- 4x regional Emmy Award
- Induction into the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame as a Friend of Basketball
- Recipient of the NBA Todd Harris Spirit Award
4. Is Jim Paschke Married?
Even though the multi-award-winning commentator has relatively kept his private life away from the public, it is alleged that he is married to a woman named Stephanie.
Although this may be true, he also shares a similar career in broadcasting with Stephanie Sutton who has also interviewed him.
In all of these, Paschke is said to have 2 children.
5. He Was Tested Positive For COVID-19
Since COVID-19 started its rage, it has reached different shores and affected many people including people in sports. In this category falls Jim Paschke who was tested positive in 2021.
Prior to the time of his contracting the virus, he had been vaccinated, a step that helped in reducing the risk that is attached to it. It nonetheless did not stop him from suffering mild symptoms like fatigue among others.
Generally, however, the result of the virus would lead to Jim’s absence in Bucks’ NBA finals.
6. Jim Paschke Has a Close Relationship With Giannis Antetokounmpo
The once upon shy kid finds himself talking about Nigerian-Greek NBA champion Giannis Antetokounmpo time and again. They’ve built a solid relationship as being part of basketball and Bucks and added this to a more personal relationship.
Their good relationship would lead Giannis to wear a t-shirt in honor of Paschke at a postgame conference. The gesture by Giannis came after Jim failed to attend the finals that led Bucks to become NBA champions following an ailment caused by COVID-19.
According to Paschke, the gesture by Giannis made him emotional. He would further describe the MVP as a unique and authentic person who went out of his way in his greatest professional moment to honor him.
7. Why Did He Retire?
After calling more than 2,000 games, spending more than 4 decades as a sports broadcaster, and about 35 years with the Bucks, Paschke at the age of 71 in 2021 announced his retirement during an interview with Giannis.
At the beginning of his career, Jim wanted to be good at his career that he could last 20 years. Well, he became great enough that his retirement took a toll on many fans.
The 74-year-old retired in other to spend more time with his wife and two.
8. Lisa Byington Replaced The Sportscaster After His Retirement
Following the retirement of Paschke, 49 years old Lisa Byington was announced to replace him. This would make Lisa the first female play-by-play announcer for the Bucks.
Prior to the hire, the Northwestern University graduate became the first female play-by-play broadcaster for National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) tournament among other career highlights.
8. His Net Worth
The exact net worth of the Hall of Famer has been reported differently by sources but is believed to be above $500,000.
He makes his wealth from his career as a sports journalist that started with college calling and reached the NBA where he retired after about 48 years.
In the course of his career, his earnings are not known but sports journalists may have a high earning. In addition, his being listed as one of the best in the sector could have its advantage in terms of -8
10. Where is Jim Paschke Now?
The Minnesota native continues to have an interest in basketball and has a pseudonym, Paschketball, a name that a fan of Bucks, Matt Gritzmacher coined.
He is also believed to be having more time to spend with his family.
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