Jim McKay remembered as broadcaster, family man

Written by BEN NUCKOLS, Associated Press Writer (Yahoo News)

Wednesday, 11 June 2008

BALTIMORE - When Jim McKay traveled to St. Andrews in Scotland to cover the 2000 British Open it was his final overseas event in more than 50 years of broadcasting. Sportscaster Jim Nantz visited McKay in his tiny, sparse hotel room before the final round. He recalled that McKay wasn't emotional about the end of his career; he was upset about being away from his family. "He longed to be home. That's all he wanted to talk about," Nantz said Tuesday at a funeral Mass for McKay. "He no longer had any appetite for the life of the lonely road warrior." About 200 people filled the pews of the cavernous Cathedral of Mary Our Queen for the funeral of McKay, the venerable host of ABC's "Wide World of Sports" who died Saturday at 86 at his Maryland farm. Relatives, friends and colleagues remembered McKay, born James Kenneth McManus, as a man who, despite his globe-trotting TV persona, longed for the simple pleasures of home and the company of his wife, Margaret, his son and daughter and his three grandchildren. "He taught me how to drive a car and how to drive a golf ball," James Guba, McKay's oldest grandson, said through tears. "He was my best friend." Among those in attendance were NBC Olympics host Bob Costas, "CBS Evening News" anchor Katie Couric and NBC Sports chairman Dick Ebersol. "He's one of the greatest broadcasters in the history of the medium," Costas said. "Jim essentially created the role of the modern Olympic host. He set the standard." Maybe you are looking for: R. Kelly Two-Steps Back to Court Maroon 5 expands new album with DVD, B-sides R&B legends the O'Jays still riding "Love Train" UK singer Alison Moyet on road with Yazoo reunion U2 to reissue 3 albums with rarities Newer items: Rap stars weigh their options as record deals end Wrap-up of entertainment quotes from the AP Michelle Branch finishing third solo album Tunes and politics mix at Bonnaroo Pearl Jam wows Bonnaroo with 3-hour performance Popular items: Rock pioneer Bo Diddley dies at age 79 MySpace Music to stage its 150th Secret Show About $275,000 donated to Chapman organization 'Idol' winner Cook reaps 940,000 downloads Lady Antebellum living up to the buzz with debut CD Add as favourites (3) | Views: 29 Be first to comment this article Write Comment Name: E-mail Comment: Code:* I wish to be contacted by email regarding additional comments