Jim “Crazy Papa” Keith Birge

James Keith “Jim” Birge of Long Beach, California, passed away peacefully on June 5, 2026, surrounded by family and loved ones after an 8-month battle with pancreatic cancer.

Born on December 26, 1947 to Cyril and Antoinette Birge in Jasper, Indiana, Jim was a beloved husband, son, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, veteran and confidant to many across the United States. He touched countless lives of many with his quick wit, infectious sense of humor, and genuine joy in making others smile.

After graduating from Jasper High School in 1965, Jim enlisted in the United States Air Force, stationed primarily in Turkey during his enlistment. Following his Honorable Discharge from the military, Jim enrolled at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he received his Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Motion Picture/Television, and Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree.

Upon completing his studies, Jim served as a student counselor in UCLA’s School of Fine Arts. During his time there, Jim founded the UCLA Comedy Club, a student comedy troupe that grew from campus performances to appearances in comedy clubs throughout Los Angeles. Jim and the UCLA Comedy Club helped launch the careers of several successful motion picture and television professionals. He later served in a similar counseling role at the University of Irvine. Throughout his life, Jim maintained relationships with many former students, several of whom went on to write, produce, and direct some of the leading films and television shows in Hollywood today.

Jim was an accomplished writer and actor, with several professional roles to his credit, including the famous “toilet scene” opposite Danny Glover in Lethal Weapon II, the cult-classic Chasing Dreams with Kevin Costner and writing credits in such productions such as Tales of the Crypt.

For the past quarter-century, Jim produced and hosted “Classroom Jeopardy” student competition events inspired by the long-running television game show. His passion for bringing educational competition into the classroom earned media attention, awards, and recognition from schools throughout Southern California. Along the way, Jim became affectionately known as “Jim, the Jeopardy Guy.”

Jim Birge is survived by his wife, Donna Bergeron-Birge; daughters Kym Elder (Eric), and Laurie Cooper (Brad); stepson Shannon Apana, granddaughter Nicole Elder (Landon Valentine), and great-grandson Cooper James; granddaughters Emma Kerman, Avery Kerman, grandson, Jesse Kerman, and great-grandson, Lucas Lindhorst. Jim is also survived by his sisters Judy Calley (Bob), Jane Birge, Betty Anderson (Rick), and Kathy Eckerle (partner Curtis Shaw), and brothers John Birge (Lisa), and Bob Birge (Barb), as well as numerous nieces and nephews, cousins and in-laws.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Cyril and Antoinette Birge, and his brothers Jerry Birge and Bill Birge.

Jim Birge will long be remembered as one of those rare individuals who brought joy to every conversation and gathering, always found the bright side of life, and inspired the very best in everyone fortunate enough to know him. Above all, Jim treasured his family and took great pride in watching generations of loved ones grow and thrive.

After a lifetime spent asking questions, learning, teaching, and sharing his love of Jeopardy, it brings us great comfort to imagine that Jim has now moved on to a place where all the answers are revealed.