Creator of ‘Jeopardy!’ for students passes away in Long Beach after a prolonged struggle.

Creator of Long Beach’s “Jeopardy!” Tournament Passes Away

The creator of Long Beach’s well-loved “Jeopardy!” Tournament of Champions, Jim Burge, passed away on Friday. This news broke just hours before the conclusion of the tournament’s 25th edition, a culmination of his long struggle with pancreatic cancer.

Burge, 78, was honored during a celebration on Saturday where students, past participants, and organizers paid tribute to his significant contributions to this popular middle school event.

For the past 25 years, the annual tournament—modeled after the famous TV game show—has drawn thousands of students eager to tackle rapid-fire trivia questions. This year featured a showdown with three finalists vying for the top spot.

One of those finalists, Jordan McGuffie, who was the first middle school champion back in 2002, made the trip from Georgia to participate in this significant milestone event.

“I really wanted to come back for this game. It’s the 25th, so I thought it might be my last chance,” McGuffie mentioned.

His journey back wasn’t just for the competition but also to honor Burge, who played a crucial role in establishing and nurturing the tournament.

“Jim has always been such a lively person,” McGuffie added. “He wants everyone to learn and finds ways to make learning enjoyable.”

Burge, who was a vital force behind the extensive quiz tournament, indicated that this would be his final season due to his battle with cancer. Yet, his commitment to completing the program was evident, despite the challenges posed by his health.

His death was announced by organizers during Saturday’s event, which reflected on his lasting influence over countless students.

“Let’s remember Jim’s accomplishments and the ongoing success of Jeopardy!, the biggest school show in history, thanks to the hundreds of students who have had such a great time both playing and learning,” speakers remarked.

Burge’s widow, Donna Bergeron, shared that the tournament emerged from Burge’s love for learning and creativity. “We would joke and brainstorm crazy ideas late into the night,” she recounted. “It was all his vision. I never imagined it would continue for this long.”

As the finalists faced off in the concluding round, many contestants noted that Burge’s spirit was still present.

“His energy is still here, his spirit remains, and all of his loved ones are gathered around. We want to ensure we carry on his legacy,” McGuffie remarked.