Overview
- Jim Birge, who ran the Long Beach middle-school 'Jeopardy!' Tournament of Champions for about 25 years, died on Friday hours before the event’s final round, organizers confirmed.
- Organizers announced Birge’s passing during the tournament’s closing competition on Saturday and presented the 25th edition as a tribute while a new champion was crowned.
- Birge had been treated for pancreatic cancer since an October 2025 diagnosis and had said this season would be his last as he continued to work through treatment.
- Earlier this year Birge’s classroom format went viral, leading to a February visit to the Jeopardy! set where he met host Ken Jennings and drew national attention to his program.
- Family, former champions and organizers recalled Birge’s hands-on role in writing questions and shaping the event, and Long Beach now faces decisions about who will preserve the tournament and its place in local schools.