Creator of Student 'Jeopardy!' Tournament Passes Away Amidst 25th Anniversary
Jim Birge, the creator of the Long Beach 'Jeopardy!' Tournament of Champions for students, passed away after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. His death occurred just hours before the conclusion of the tournament's 25th anniversary event. Birge, aged 78, was celebrated for his dedication to education and his role in establishing the popular academic competition, which has engaged thousands of students over the years. The tournament, inspired by the television game show, challenges middle-school students with rapid-fire trivia questions. Birge's passing was announced during the event, where participants and organizers paid tribute to his legacy.